DA to boosts farm sector with foreign partnerships

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) is accelerating efforts to boost the farming sector through partnerships with Vietnam and Indonesia.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said that the department has formalized an agreement with Vietnam focusing on the growth and development of high-value crops, livestock, dairy and aquaculture production.

“The Philippines puts high importance to its bilateral relations with Vietnam in the field of agriculture, and it considers Vietnam a key partner in the effort to transform the agriculture sector of the Philippines as well,” Laurel said during his bilateral meeting with Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Le Minh Hoan during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s state visit to Vietnam on January 29-30.

Laurel and Le have decided to strengthen the current agricultural ties between the two countries and revise the prior cooperation pact from 1999.

The new memorandum of understanding (MoU) also aims to boost collaboration in postharvest facilities, food processing, digital and climate-smart agriculture, and agri-fisheries mechanization, among others.

A five-year rice trade agreement was also signed between the two nations. Under the MoU, Vietnam commits to supply the Philippines with 1.5 to 2 million metric tons of white rice annually.

“While DA is focused on improving capacities for increased agricultural productivity, it is equally imperative to maintain a robust trade to help ensure food security, in particular, the supply of rice, especially in challenging times,” said Laurel.

He noted Vietnam’s importance as a trading ally for the Philippines, particularly in agricultural goods. Latest data from the department showed that approximately 80 percent of rice imports into the Philippines originate from Vietnam, while the Philippine market constitutes more than 40 percent of Vietnam’s rice export.

Meanwhile, the DA is considering a potential partnership with Indonesia specifically aimed at tuna production and trade.

The Agriculture department, through the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA), held a discussion with the Consulate General of Indonesia regarding a potential collaboration with Indonesian fishermen and fishing vessel operators.

PFDA-Davao Fish Port Complex Manager Albert Aguinaldo, and OIC-Consulate General and Consul for Protocol, and Consular Affairs Harya Kakerasana Sidharta, and Consul for Economic Affairs Novita S.D. Supit led the said discussion.

“They talked about the opportunity for Indonesian fish workers to transship, trade and process their abundant tuna catch,” the PFDA said.