The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) are working together to promote Philippine agricultural exports and address market challenges.
Under a newly signed memorandum of agreement (MOA), the two agencies plan to expand export sales of key commodities such as bananas, mangoes and seaweed, while advancing high-value crops like coffee and cacao.
“We’re proud to formalize this partnership with DTI. Combining the resources and expertise of both agencies will unlock the full potential of Philippine agriculture,” said DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
The partnership focuses on trade promotion, strategic investments, empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and addressing barriers like market access and tariffs.
Both agencies seek to strengthen the Philippines’ position in the global market.
Agro-based exports reached $492.6 million in September 2024, accounting for 8 percent of the Philippines’ total exports, based on data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
The figure underscores the untapped potential of the agricultural sector.
Private sector stakeholders, including the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. and the Philippine Food Processors and Exporters Organization Inc., will play a key role in the initiative.
The DA’s Export Development Office has been implementing programs to grow exports of bananas, mangoes, seaweed, coconuts and durian, while prioritizing emerging crops like coffee and cacao.
As part of the agreement, the DA will establish an Agri-Export Help Desk to address export-related concerns and create commodity councils starting January 2025 to foster better coordination between the government and private sector.
“This partnership is a step toward a prosperous and sustainable agricultural sector,” Tiu Laurel said.
The alliance is expected to unlock new opportunities and promote growth across the value chain, benefiting farmers, fisherfolk and other stakeholders nationwide.
