DA to Implement Maximum SRP for Onion, Garlic

The Department of Agriculture (DA) plans to implement a maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) on onions and garlic to stabilize the prices of two of the most consumed vegetables in the country, amid global market volatilities caused by geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East.

- By Jasper Emmanuel Arcalas

According to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., the implementation of the MSRP will help curb domestic price spikes that may be triggered by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, which is affecting the global oil market.

He explained that rising oil prices impact the entire agriculture sector, as they lead to higher freight charges, more expensive fertilizers and costlier feed products - causing a domino effect across food value and supply chains.

"There should not be a huge spike. An increase of five to 10 percent is normal," Tiu Laurel said.

Despite this, the agriculture chief assured the public that there is no reason to panic, noting that prices remain stable and the country's food supply is sufficient.

"We just have to be ready.

And we are now preparing other alternatives, like for fertilizer we are planning to shift to organic liquid fertilizers. That is one of the solutions in mind," he added.

For imported garlic, the DA is proposing an MSRP of around P100 per kilo, while onions are expected to be priced between P100 and P120 per kilo.