GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines—Vegetable farmers in Mindanao are worried about the expected influx of cheap vegetables from other countries in the wake of increasing trade liberalization.

Jose Victor Santos, president of the Central Mindanao Vegetable Industry and Development Council, said at least seven vegetables that were being locally produced were expected to flood the Philippines with the country’s compliance with global trade laws.

Imported vegetables such as onion, garlic, and potato, he said, could be sold at prices lower than those of the local produce because importers would enjoy zero tariff under international agreements.

"This will further affect, if not kill, our struggling but surviving vegetable industry in the country," Santos said.

The problem on the expected influx of cheap vegetables to the country is one of the issues to be discussed during the 76th National Vegetable Congress to be held here from July 14 to 16.

Santos said other issues would include the safe use of pesticides and agro-chemicals, strengthening of existing vegetable seed industry development programs, and the need for government interventions to make the industry highly competitive in international markets.

Tommy Ala, director of the Department of Agriculture in Central Mindanao, said the revival of the Philippine Vegetable Industry Development (PVIDB) Technical Working Group would be among the important issues to be tackled during the activity, to be held at the Family Country Hotel & Convention Center here.

Ala said his office is expecting the country's more than 10,000 vegetable producers to actively participate in the activity.

"The region is basically typhoon-free. Our vegetable farmers can plant whole year round. Given the right technology, opportunity, and government support, local vegetable growers can enhance their production capability resulting in a much better income generation," he said.

Santos said the reactivation of the PVIDB would play a vital role in boosting the vegetable industry in the country.

He said this would also help unify the efforts of industry players so they could make an impact in the government's food sufficiency and poverty alleviation program.