Veggies not from Baguio, Benguet sold as highland produce in Phl markets

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- A group of vegetable traders based in this capital town of Benguet warned potatoes and carrots in paper boxes marked as Benguet and Baguio City produce are being sold in vegetable retail markets throughout the country.
    The La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Areas Inc. said paper box packaged vegetable produce are not coming from Benguet nor Baguio City as strewn on the markings of the items.
    The paper boxes were reportedly marked "A.B.C. Baguio.”
    According to the vegetable league, the products are being distributed by unscrupulous individuals in Manila, Sariaya in Quezon and other vegetable retail locations in the country.
    The association said Baguio is not mass-producing potatoes and carrots.
    The group added Baguio City and Benguet are not promoting imported vegetables like carrots and potatoes.
According to the league, the vegetable products are smuggled and were supposed to be confiscated last Nov. 10 by the     Bureau of Customs in Olongapo, Zambales. 
    With this, the traders’ group appealed before government agencies to probe the issue and take appropriate action to stop the practice and protect the country’s farming industry.