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The Department of Agriculture launched the Agricultural and Fisheries Logistics Office under Department Order 01, aiming to address inefficiencies in the farm-to-market supply chain and ensure food security
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AFLO focuses on tackling post-harvest losses, high market prices, logistical bottlenecks, poor infrastructure, and insufficient cold storage facilities
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Plans include a real-time logistics coordination and monitoring system to track agricultural products, enhance transparency, and reduce inefficiencies
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The logistics office will oversee construction of cold storage warehouses, food hubs, and distribution centers to streamline food distribution
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It also plans to adopt advanced technologies such as the integration of AI and machine learning to optimize logistics and minimize losses in the supply chain
The Department of Agriculture (DA) officially launched the Agricultural and Fisheries Logistics Office (AFLO) under Department Order 01, aiming to address inefficiencies in the farm-to-market supply chain and ensure food security in the country.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said AFLO is designed to tackle pressing challenges, including post-harvest losses, high market prices, and logistical bottlenecks such as inadequate infrastructure and cold storage facilities.
“AFLO is key to building a resilient and sustainable food supply chain while improving profitability for farmers and fishers. This will also ensure more affordable food for consumers and raw materials for industries,” Tiu Laurel said in a statement.
The initiative aligns with the goals of the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997, reinforcing efforts to transform Philippine agriculture into a globally competitive and sustainable sector, according to DA.
AFLO’s objectives include developing a real-time logistics coordination and monitoring system to track agricultural products, enhance distribution efficiency, and reduce waste. This system will also ensure greater transparency, curb smuggling, and provide traceability across the supply chain.
The logistics office will oversee infrastructure projects such as cold storage warehouses, food hubs, and distribution centers to enable cost-effective and timely food distribution nationwide.
It will also promote investment in cold storage facilities, warehouses, processing plants, terminals, tramlines, bagsakan centers, post-harvest facilities, slaughterhouses, and port development and upgrading.
To modernize the supply chain, AFLO plans to adopt advanced technologies like AI and machine learning, aiming to optimize logistics and minimize losses.
It will also foster stronger collaboration among government agencies, local government units, and private sector partners to streamline transportation routes, improve logistics networks, and reduce costs.
In addition, partnerships with the Philippine Ports Authority, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and Philippine Fisheries Development Authority are expected to enhance the handling of agricultural products at ports through monitoring, assessment, and evaluate port-related agri-fisheries logistics operations.
AFLO is also tasked with establishing crisis management protocols to address supply chain disruptions caused by natural disasters or pandemics.
“The creation of AFLO is a vital step in modernizing agriculture and fisheries. By addressing inefficiencies and promoting sustainability, we can secure our food future and advance the sector’s development,” added Tiu Laurel.
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