Tomato Prices Surge Amid Typhoons and Supply Gaps: DOST-PCAARRD’s Role in Mitigation

The DA attributed the surge in retail prices of tomatoes to the devastating effect on supply following the series of typhoons last year. These typhoons severely affected major tomato-producing regions in the country, including Cagayan Valley, CALABARZON, and Bicol. Despite this, the DA expressed optimism that prices will stabilize in the coming weeks.

In relation to the expected price decrease by late January 2025, retail prices of tomatoes in some areas have already started to decline. As of January 13, 2025, the retail prices of tomatoes in the Batong Malake Public Market in Los Baños, Laguna, decreased from Php300 per kg in the previous week to Php150 per kg as supply from Batangas started coming into the area. Meanwhile, retail prices in Batangas dropped from Php230 per kg in the previous week to Php140 per kg by January 14, 2025. The start of the dry season and the resumption of tomato production in January and February are expected to alleviate supply constraints. The DA anticipates retail prices will normalize by late January or early February as new harvests enter the market.

Selected DOST-PCAARRD Initiatives on Tomato

• Cost-Effective Cold Chain Systems

An important project funded by the Department of Science and Technology Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) which can help stabilize supply is the development of cost-effective cold chain systems and product monitoring technologies for high-value crops, particularly tomatoes and cabbage. Implemented by the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), the ongoing initiative focuses on supporting small-scale growers and traders in Lucena and Sariaya, Quezon.

The project aims to create a prototype cold chain system with real-time monitoring capabilities. Field testing was conducted on July 9, 2024, at Rural Rising Philippines, wherein the team tested innovative technologies, including a collapsible precooler, insulated pallet wraps with Phase Change Material (PCM) from Arkos Technologies Inc., and a low-cost cold room at the Agricultural, Food and Bioprocess Engineering Division (AFBED) facility in UPLB. Prototypes for monitoring temperature and relative humidity and producing impact were also evaluated. Upon completion, the project seeks to improve postharvest management, reduce losses, and provide sustainable and economically viable cold storage solutions for perishable crops.

• Smart Indoor-Farming System

Another ongoing project funded by DOST-PCAARRD and implemented by the Central Luzon State University (CLSU) aims to construct a fully automated smart indoor-farming system for the optimum production of hot peppers and tomatoes. The greenhouse at the PreDict of College of Engineering in CFD-aided Protective Structure Designs of CLSU will be redesigned to feature retractable solar panels, cooling pads, elevated planters, and LED lights, creating a controlled environment for year-round cultivation.

These innovations aim to enhance pest and disease management, boost yields, improve fruit quality, and reduce operational costs by leveraging renewable energy.  The facility’s smart operations will enable automated and remote monitoring, ensuring efficient resource use and precise environmental control. By showcasing sustainable practices, the project seeks to inspire future food growers to adopt eco-friendly and economically viable farming methods while addressing the increasing demand for high-quality produce.

Market Outlook

The surge in tomato prices in Metro Manila has strained consumers, with average retail prices reaching as much as Php360 per kg. However, the recent decline in prices in areas like Los Baños, Laguna due to more supply coming in from Batangas, and the expected new harvests that will enter the market offer hope for price stabilization by February. Government initiatives and monitoring efforts are expected to help maintain market transparency and ensure fair prices. These measures aim to prevent price manipulation and ensure consumers’ steady supply of tomatoes.

For farmers, the higher tomato prices offer the potential for increased earnings, but supply disruptions caused by typhoons highlight production vulnerabilities. DOST-PCAARRD’s cold chain and hydroponic initiatives aim to reduce postharvest losses and improve resilience, helping farmers adapt to climate risks while maintaining profitability. These initiatives also support sustainable farming practices, providing farmers with the tools to navigate future supply chain challenges.

References: 

Agricultural, Food and Bioprocess Engineering Division_AFBED. (2024, July 12). Field Testing at Rural Rising Philippines. AFBED Facebook Page. Retrieved January 14, 2025 from https://fb.watch/x5yhRM0wjd/

Cariaso, B. (2025, January 6). Tomato costs P20 per piece – DA. The Philippine Star. Retrieved January 7, 2024 from https://www.philstar.com/nation/2025/01/06/2412075/tomato-costs-p20-piece-da

Dela Cruz, A. (2025, January 8). Kamatis higit P300/kilo na sa Metro Manila. The Philippine Star. Retrieved January 8, 2025 from https://www.philstar.com/pilipino-star-ngayon/bansa/2025/01/08/2412575/kamatis-higit-p300kilo-na-sa-metro-manila?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2feHQnhAB9CwewBfmZ8K4AJbvSw8K8SdZplrvWnA7w1R-n-dpXX5SE8nk_aem_JWgi0SFlVev2E0Os2c6ZBQ

Department of Agriculture. (2025 January 10). Daily Retail Price Monitoring. Bantay Presyo Website. Retrieved January 10, 2025 from https://www.da.gov.ph/price-monitoring/

Evangelista, M.M. (2023, February 16). Employing Hydroponics and Vegetable Gardening Technologies to Alleviate COVID-19 Threats to Food Security in Selected Municipalities in Region IV-A. Retrieved January 14, 2025 from https://pcaarrd.dost.gov.ph/index.php/quick-information-dispatch-qid-articles/vegetable-gardening-technologies-provide-additional-support-to-farmers-and-residents-in-cavite-and-rizal?highlight=WyJ0b21hdG8iXQ==

Halili, A. (2025, January 6). Tomato prices seen falling by end of January as harvest starts. Business World. Retrieved January 7, 2025 from https://www.bworldonline.com/economy/2025/01/06/645002/tomato-prices-seen-falling-by-end-of-january-as-harvest-starts/#google_vignette

Lagare, J.B. (2025, January 7). DA: Tomato prices up in NCR due to shortage. Philippine Inquirer. Retrieved January 7, 2024 from https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2021963/da-tomato-prices-up-in-ncr-due-to-shortage

Santos, J. (2025, January 7). Relief for consumers: Tomato prices ease by February, says DA. Manila Bulletin. Retrieved January 7, 2025 from https://mb.com.ph/2025/1/7/tomato-prices-ease-by-february