A New Dawn for Filipino Farmers: DA and Dali Everyday Grocery Join Forces
In a heartening move for Filipino agriculture, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is actively exploring an exciting partnership with Dali Everyday Grocery. This collaboration aims to bring local farmers closer to the market and ensure their fresh produce reaches more consumers directly.
Recently, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. met with Dali board director Thirdie Icasas, and the outcome was promising. “I am thrilled about our discussions,” Tiu Laurel stated. “DALI can provide a ready market for our local farm products. This partnership has the potential to be a game changer for our farmers.”
Imagine this: farmers who once faced uncertainty about where to sell their crops now have a promising avenue to ensure their hard work pays off. This partnership could not only stabilize markets for farmers but also encourage them to ramp up production and ultimately raise their incomes. It’s a hopeful vision turning into reality.
The DA highlighted that this collaboration could open up new avenues for vegetable farmers, both in highland and lowland areas. Dali, with its growing store network of over 1,403 branches, serves more than 10 million monthly shoppers. Their ambitious goal of expanding to 1,600 stores by the end of 2026—and reaching 16,000 by 2035—shows a commitment to helping local agriculture flourish.
Thirdie Icasas shared some exciting plans as well. Dali is considering establishing warehouses closer to farming regions like Benguet and Pangasinan. This strategy will not only streamline the supply chain but also help local produce get to stores in Metro Manila faster and fresher.
Moreover, Dali is on the lookout for reliable cooperatives and farmer groups that can supply highland—and more recently, lowland—vegetables, creating a win-win situation for both farmers and consumers.
The potential partnership doesn’t stop there. The DA and Dali also discussed the development of food hubs, including a grand 46-hectare facility at Clark and additional sites in Tiaong, Quezon; Lipa, Batangas; Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon; and Cebu. These hubs could play a pivotal role in nurturing the local agricultural landscape.
As discussions progress, the vision for a thriving partnership between the DA and Dali Everyday Grocery inspires hope for a brighter future for Filipino farmers. With almost every detail falling into place, the anticipation of what’s to come is palpable. It’s not just about better markets; it’s about uplifting lives and ensuring that Filipino farmers reap the rewards of their hard work.
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