Philippines Seizes P13.2M Misdirected Chinese Carrot Shipment at Manila Port

At Cerro Vista farm in northern New Mexico, a non-profit initiative called the Cultivo Project employs local youth, ranging from teenagers to older adults, to grow and harvest carrots, providing both job opportunities and community engagement. The farm sits at a high altitude with a short growing season, yet the program enables young interns to experience the full agricultural cycle, earning wages while learning valuable skills. Meanwhile, the ancient agricultural practice of companion planting, such as the "three sisters" method involving corn, beans, and squash, continues to be recognized for its sustainable benefits, including natural pest control and soil nourishment. On the other hand, the longstanding myth that eating carrots dramatically improves eyesight is debunked; while carrots provide vitamin A essential for eye health, they do not enhance vision beyond normal levels. Additionally, the Bureau of Customs in Manila intercepted misdeclared fresh carrot shipments from China valued at over P13.2 million, highlighting ongoing issues with illicit agricultural imports. These diverse developments illustrate the cultural, scientific, and regulatory facets surrounding carrot cultivation and consumption globally.