The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Italian Ministry of Agriculture agreed to draft a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to boost agricultural productivity and agro-industrialization in the Philippines.
DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. met with Italian Minister of Agriculture Francesco Lollobrigida on Oct. 16, 2024 during World Food Day in Rome to discuss potential areas of cooperation.
“Italy’s agricultural machinery industry is world-class, and the Philippines can greatly benefit from this expertise as we modernize our agricultural sector,” Tiu Laurel said.
He also highlighted the opportunity for Italian firms to invest in smart agriculture technologies and irrigation systems to support the Philippines’ agro-industrialization goals.
The MOU will also explore ways to increase agri-food trade between the two countries.
The Philippines is seeking to expand its exports to Italy, which include tuna, pineapples, frozen fish, carrageenan and desiccated coconut.
Philippine agricultural exports to Italy reached 129 million, led by crude coconut oil, in 2023.
The growing Filipino community in Italy also raised demand for Philippine food products. To promote Philippine cuisine among Italians, small and medium-sized enterprises formed the Philippine Chamber of Commerce in Italy.
The bilateral meeting also discussed opportunities for skilled Filipino fisherfolk to work in Italy. Lollobrigida extended an invitation for Filipino fishermen to contribute to the European country’s fishing industry.
