Market Study on Organic-Based Rice and Vegetables in the Province of Tarlac

Abstract

The study focused on the market of organic-based rice and vegetables in the province of Tarlac. Respondents of the study included farmers engaged in organic-based farming, traders, and consumers in the province and nearby cities. Purposive sampling was adopted in determining the samples of the study due to inaccessibility of some farmers, traders, and consumers. There were 162 farmer respondents and 160 consumers interviewed. Out of the 162 farmer respondents, only 8.64% have organic-based crops certified by the 2nd party or trader certified while the rest were 1st party certified or farmer certified. High demand for organic-based vegetables was visible in areas where perfect information exists while in areas where markets are not well structured, supply creates its own demand. The presence of established market outlets stimulated supply at which crops were sold at a premium price. The distribution was facilitated by various channels including cooperatives, government institution, and peoples organizations. Factors like fluctuating price, imperfect information, and non-existence of market outlets were the major constraints in the market of organic crops. Hence, results of the study can serve as basis in the formulation of better policies to improve crop distribution that can contribute to better market opportunities.