The Department of Agriculture opened today, December 1, 2016, the DA Christmas Market situated in front of the DA compound in Quezon City. The mini market, will provide a steady space for food producers from nearby provinces who complain of being bullied by traders and middlemen to sell for low prices because of over supply. Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol, who led the kick-off of the market, stressed that the initiative clearly states the government’s stand against middlemen saying that the DA will do everything and come up with innovative ideas to protect the interests of the farmers. ### (photo by Ardy Tompong/Alan Jay Jacalan – – DA-AFID)