New Agricultural Trading System to Modernize Crop Sales

According to the PIA, the provincial government of Ilocos Norte is activating a modernized ‘Bagsakan’ wholesale trading hub system to establish a centralized, data-driven platform that directly connects local farmers with buyers. This initiative aims to improve market access, ensure price transparency, and enhance agricultural planning across the province by tracking transaction data.

Vice Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc stated that the system will keep official records of agricultural produce to help the government market goods and distribute aid. Under the new setup, accredited traders and sellers who share their transaction data will receive government support, including transportation and storage assistance.

The gathered data will allow the provincial government to monitor crop movements, current prices, and market demand. Currently, many agricultural products from Ilocos Norte are transported to major cities like Baguio City and Manila, where they are resold at higher prices, leaving local farmers with low returns despite high production costs.

To address this, the province wants farmers to transition to a system where they know buyer demands, pricing, and quality standards before planting. The initiative also aims to strengthen local agricultural cooperatives, reduce farmers’ reliance on debt, and encourage the production of higher-value crops.

Provincial officials noted that this structured trading approach could serve as a model for other local government units seeking to build more efficient agricultural systems.

SOURCE: PIA