The United States government, through the US Agency for International Development and in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry and the Nueva Vizcaya Agricultural Terminal, launched on 31 August a first-of-its-kind e-commerce platform to expand the market reach of Luzon-based farmer-traders and strengthen the Philippines' agricultural supply chain.

The NVAT Fresh Online Platform (NVATFresh.com) directly managed and operated by the Luzon-based agricultural hub, is a business-to-business online platform where farmers can list their produce for large enterprises such as supermarkets, food processing companies and restaurant chains.

Through the platform, farmers can leverage competitive pricing, secure consistent income, reduce food wastage and ensure the delivery of fresh, affordable produce straight to businesses and consumers.

Through its five-year P1 billion ($18 million) Strengthening Private Enterprises for the Digital Economy project, USAID provided technical assistance, onboarding support and training for NVAT and its stakeholders who use the platform.

In its initial phase, NVAT Fresh Online is projected to facilitate the sale of 5,000 tons of produce, accounting for three percent of NVAT's total volume. Future estimates anticipate sales surging to roughly 20,000 tons, generating P500 million ($8.8 million) by its fifth operational year.

In her remarks, USAID Philippines deputy mission director Rebekah Eubanks emphasized the crucial role that farmers play in achieving inclusive and resilient economic growth.

"As your partner in prosperity, the United States remains committed to supporting the Philippines in advancing digitalization to help improve the lives of farmers and agricultural traders, and more importantly, enhance the country's food security," Eubanks said.

"Thank you, USAID, for heeding our call. To say that NVAT is a trailblazer is an understatement. The birth of NVAT Fresh is a significant accomplishment," said DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual in remarks delivered by DTI Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Ana Carolina Sanchez.

Meanwhile, Department of Agriculture Senior Undersecretary Domingo F. Panganiban highlighted the societal impact of platforms like NVAT Fresh Online on farmers.