This has been the consensus of the participants (truck owners/companies) who attended the orientation-seminar regarding food lane project spearheaded by Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) of DA CALABARZON, held at the Southern Tagalog Integrated Agricultural Research Center (STIARC) on March 23 of the current year.

The food lane project is a collaborative effort of DA, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

According to Regional Executive Director Arnel V. de Mesa, “food lane aims to ensure efficient delivery of agri-fishery commodities and reduce postharvest losses and transportation cost through eliminating additional fees and unnecessary check points.”

Furthermore, Director de Mesa said that the project is in line with the government’s campaign against corruption like ‘kotong cops.’

Products covered by the project includes fresh fruits and vegetables, livestock and poultry, and other agri-products as result of value-adding.

This project entails the accreditation of agriculture and fishery suppliers and truckers to be given special incentives such as, but not limited to, truck ban exemption, ease of passage and check points, and designation of food lane routes.