To cater to more farm producers and consumers, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has expanded partnership for the implementation of the e-Kadiwa marketing initiative, which was first launched on May 4.

On May 15, 2020, Agriculture Secretary William Dar signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with eight new partners, including six merchants and two logistics providers.

Farmshare Pime, Livegreen International Inc., Farmfetch Inc., Banwa Farms/Cultigen Corp, RAM Foods Corp., and Ablayan Trading are now part of the newest digital scheme developed by DA which directly connects farmers and buyers, enabling an efficient value chain system for the sustainable supply of fresh and nutritious farm produce.

Alongside the six new merchants, Lalamove and Grab Express have also joined the initiative as logistics partners, with the guarantee of timely delivery of vegetables, fruits, and other agri-fishery products.

According to Secretary Dar, the new platform incorporates innovative strategies to provide an easier and safer way for farmers, fishers, and other agripreneurs to sell their produce.

“Through this e-commerce mechanism, we are also allowing our consumers to purchase goods in the comfort and safety of their own homes,” he added.

The agri chief stressed that COVID–19 has compelled the government and the private sector to strengthen and elevate partnership to adapt to the new norm.

“With the challenges posed by this pandemic, it is imperative that we develop new innovations and scale-up existing technologies, and we’re happy that many have been forging alliance with us to help first and foremost our countryside heroes,” Dar explained.

For their part, the new partners expressed support to the initiative, highlighting their willingness to help the producers and consumers alike. Aside from enabling farmers to be social entrepreneurs, the merchants ensure safe and nutritious food items are made available to the Filipino family.

In addition to fresh vegetables and fruits, fish and meat products are now available on the e-Kadiwa market list, as well as organic produce and indigenous products such as adlai rice.

After going public, e-Kadiwa has successfully served more than 200 orders, with 69 new vendors expressing interest to join.

Dar stressed that as food supply remains to be part of the essential, the DA along with its partners will continue to boost market linkage through e-Kadiwa as well as other Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita marketing strategies.

Following the success of e-Kadiwa, the Secretary announced its possible expansion in other urban centers.

“We will bring in more companies that hold high regard for social responsibility. Patuloy po tayong makikipagtulungan sa mga pribadong institusyon na may puso at diwa,” he said.

To check out the wide range of produce available, simply visit eKadiwa.da.gov.ph. Select a store and choose from the products available, then simply add to cart along with other items or proceed to checkout. Payments may be made upon delivery or thru bank transfers, and delivery rate depends on distance and location. ### (Adora Rodriguez, DA-AFID)