Concerns over falling red onion prices in Nueva Ecija prompted a swift response from Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. On February 15, 2026. Secretary Laurel directed the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) to investigate the situation and identify measures to protect farmers’ incomes while maintaining affordable supply for consumers.
Imported Onions and Market Concerns
The investigation was triggered by a complaint received via Messenger on February 13, alleging that imported onions were accumulating in cold storage facilities in Region III, driving down prices for locally grown onions. The BPI utilized its One-Stop Industry Revitalization and Information System (OSiRiS) to verify these claims.
Data from the BPI revealed that as of February 13, 2026, approximately 82 percent of cold storage warehouses held 4,454.09 metric tons of red onions and 5,271.15 metric tons of yellow onions, almost entirely comprised of imported stock. At an average price of P30.36 per kilo, the current red onion inventory is projected to last until February 19, while yellow onion stocks are expected to last until March 15.
A Shifting Perspective
While initial figures suggested an oversupply, the BPI’s analysis indicates a more nuanced situation, anticipating the peak of local onion harvests between March and April. The Department of Agriculture’s National Plant Quarantine Services Division reports that roughly 8,000 metric tons of red onions are authorized for import with clearances valid through February 15, and are expected to arrive before the local harvest gains momentum.
The BPI estimates that even with the arrival of all remaining authorized imports, stocks of red onions would likely only last until March 6, coinciding with the start of peak harvest. However, the presence of older stocks in privately-owned cold storage facilities remains a factor. Local red onion production from January to March is estimated at 9,325.14 metric tons, representing about 18 percent of the total 52,034.4 metric tons expected. Yellow onion supply for commercial use is projected to be low, at only 1,645.25 metric tons for the quarter.
“The numbers show that current stocks from imports are not overwhelming the market but merely plugging a supply gap,” Secretary Tiu Laurel stated. “That said, we are taking a closer look at why onion prices are falling at this time of the year, as claimed by farmers.”
Next Steps and Support for Farmers
Secretary Laurel has encouraged farmers to utilize cold storage facilities provided by the Department of Agriculture to extend the shelf life of their harvested onions and strategically time their releases to market. The DA will also conduct inspections of cold storage facilities, particularly those it has funded, to ensure they are adequately utilized for the benefit of local farmers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Department of Agriculture’s investigation?
A complaint from onion farmers in Nueva Ecija, sent via Messenger on February 13, 2026, raised concerns about falling red onion prices due to accumulating imported onions in cold storage facilities.
How much imported onion stock is currently in storage?
As of February 13, 2026, monitoring reports showed 4,454.09 metric tons of red onions and 5,271.15 metric tons of yellow onions in storage, with nearly all of the stock being imported.
What is the Department of Agriculture doing to support local onion farmers?
The Department of Agriculture is urging farmers to utilize available cold storage facilities and will inspect these facilities to ensure proper utilization. They are also investigating the cause of falling prices despite anticipated local harvests.
How will the balance between imported and locally grown onions impact market stability in the coming weeks?
