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The Agriculture and Trade departments signed a memorandum of agreement aimed at enhancing agricultural exports
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The collaboration focuses on trade promotion, strategic investments, SME empowerment, and resolution of market access and tariff issues
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Key commodities under the initiative include bananas, mangoes, seaweed, coffee
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The DA will also establish an Agri-Export Help Desk for export concerns and create commodity councils in January 2025
The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) have signed a memorandum of agreement aimed at enhancing agricultural exports.
The collaboration signed on December 16 focuses on trade promotion, strategic investments, empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and addressing issues like market access and tariff.
Key export commodities under the initiative include bananas, mangoes, and seaweed while promoting high-value crops like coffee and cacao.
Groups such as the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. and the Philippine Food Processors and Exporters Organization Inc. are set to play active roles in the initiative.
The DA’s Export Development Office has launched programs to boost exports of bananas, mangoes, seaweed, coconuts, and durian. Innovation in emerging crops like coffee and cacao is also fostered.
The DA will establish an Agri-Export Help Desk to manage export-related concerns and form commodity councils in January 2025 to enhance coordination between government and private businesses.
“Combining the resources and expertise of both agencies will unlock the full potential of Philippine agriculture,” said Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr said in a statement.
Government data revealed that agro-based product exports totaled $591.98 million as of October 2024, up 41.3% from $418.9 million year-on-year. These accounted for 9.6% of the country’s overall exports during the period.
“By improving market access and fostering innovation, the DA and DTI aim to position the Philippines as a global leader in food exports, benefiting farmers, fisherfolk, and other stakeholders across the value chain. The strategic alliance is expected to unlock new opportunities and drive sector-wide growth,” the DA said.
READ: DTI, DA forge partnership to boost agri-fisheries exports
