Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. unveiled plans to establish a consultative council aimed at strengthening support for millions of farmers and fishermen, ensuring a more inclusive and effective approach to addressing agricultural challenges.
The initiative seeks to enhance collaboration among government agencies, private sector representatives and key stakeholders, while streamlining feedback mechanisms to foster more responsive agricultural planning.
The council, set to begin operations by January 2025, will consist of a 10-member body with representatives from the Department of Agriculture (DA), private sector organizations and groups like the Federation of Free Farmers (FFF).
“These councils will discuss every major crop and sector issue, generating ideas on how to improve and strategize effectively,” Tiu Laurel said as the keynote speaker during the 25th anniversary of the Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc. (PCAFI) Thursday.
“The more we talk, the more ideas emerge on how to make things better,” he said. While calling for the support of PCAFI and the Federation of Free Farmers (FFF), Tiu Laurel said that no permanent seats would be allowed in the council to ensure fairness and a diverse range of voices.
Monthly meetings will focus on strategizing for specific commodities representing the different subsectors, with progress reports submitted regularly to the DA for timely and informed decision-making.
The DA chief acknowledged its structural challenges, which he described as“an agency with many generals and colonels, but lacking sergeants and foot soldiers.”
Tiu Laurel said that while no additional budget or personnel are required, clearer mandates and better coordination are essential for effective program implementation.
The creation of the council supports the DA’s broader vision of forging meaningful partnerships and implementing actionable solutions for sustainable agricultural growth, he said.
“With your support, I am confident we can build a future where every Filipino has access to safe and nutritious food, where farmers and fishers can truly thrive, and where agricultural practices protect and preserve our environment for generations to come,” Tiu Laurel said.
