THE Department of Agriculture (DA) on Sunday said it has granted the Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) a 25-year permit to use 30 hectares of government land in Tiaong, Quezon to develop and operate a mega food hub.
FTI — a government-owned and controlled corporation attached to the DA — helps connect farmers and fisherfolk with markets through food storage, processing, transport, and distribution facilities.
The project aims to improve storage, logistics, and market access for agricultural and fishery products.
The 25-year agreement allows FTI to use the land while ownership remains with the DA.
The land is part of a 49-hectare property managed by the Bureau of Plant Industry and partly used by the DA’s Quezon Agricultural Research and Experiment Station.
The envisioned food hub will consist of cold storage facilities for vegetables, fruits, fish, meat, and other agricultural and fishery products, along with wholesale trading, processing, logistics, and distribution sections.
The facilities would reduce postharvest losses, extend shelf life, and move food more efficiently from farms and fishing communities to markets.
Better storage and wider market access could ease pressure on farmers and fisherfolk to sell immediately after harvest, when prices are often low. Reduced waste and a steadier supply could also help moderate consumer prices.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the agreement would put underused government land to work for food security while retaining DA ownership.
Under the agreement, FTI will provide the Bureau of Plant Industry with P12 million in annual support, either in cash or through infrastructure, equipment or technical services. It will also cover development, maintenance, utilities, permits, and other project costs.
The agreement may be renewed, subject to government evaluation and legal limits, the DA said. Chynna Grace Ong
