BAGUIO CITY — The Department of Agriculture (DA) in Cordillera claims that there is no Cordillera without Benguet Province's agricultural performance.

DA Cordillera OIC-Regional Executive Director, Atty. Jennilyn M. Dawayan, said the province is the leading producer of semi-temperate vegetables in the country and the premier source of strawberries, during Benguet's Agri-tourism Fair at the Benguet Cold Chain Project Compound in Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet.

According to DA, 88 percent of Cordillera's total vegetable production comes from Benguet. The province also offers 59 percent of the region's heirloom rice production.

Dawayan also discloses that Benguet produces 60 percent of green beans in the Cordillera and holds the sixth position nationwide. She said that Benguet is also home to Northern Blossoms and Cut Flowers and hosts two of the largest trading posts in the country.

Dawayan said that amid problems arising from vegetable importation, she said there should be a thorough study of policies. She encouraged the public to support local products amid importation challenges.

Dawayen also affirmed the agricultural agency's support for the struggle of the farmers against illegal entry of vegetable products from other countries. "Let us be the voice crying in the wilderness against smuggling. It is our responsibility as consumers, as government players, and as stakeholders to report this immediately," she stressed.