THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Nueva Vizcaya, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 2 (DA-RFO2), kicked off on Tuesday, April 2, the 3-day training on postharvest handling and management for vegetables and fruits.

DTI Nueva Vizcaya director Michael Paggabao said the University of the Philippines Los Baños-Postharvest Horticulture Training and Research Center (UPLB-PHTRC) served as the training provider for the more than 40 participants composed of farmers, traders and disposers, buyers, and government employees.

DTI Region 2 cited the necessity of preserving and prolonging the freshness of agricultural commodities reaching Metro Manila markets, and the training will help identify the gaps in postharvest practices of suppliers and traders of the Nueva Vizcaya Agricultural Trading.

The UPLB-PHTRC Team said the major concerns arising from their visit "pointed to the importance of the quality of the fresh produce and safety assurance, particularly on traceability and labeling, and sustainability of supply to meet the different market requirements."

DTI Region 2 Director Leah Pulido Ocampo said this led to the need for continuing capacity-building programs and sessions for the different stakeholders involved in the value chain to which the NVAT Fresh Online project caters.

The training was also held in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development Strengthening Private Enterprises for the Digital Economy (USAid Speed).

Edralina Serrano, Engr. Ryan Anthony Lualhati and Rona Kaye Franco were the resource speakers for Tuesday's training module.