The Department of Agriculture met with regional agricultural and Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Councils on Monday to hear their recommendations for expediting the modernization of the farm sector, boosting its productivity, and guaranteeing the country's food security.

"If we can work together well, then I think we can move forward faster," said Agriculture Chief Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr.

According to the DA, the recommendations presented by the councils included addressing various issues such as affecting rice production, fish and other aquatic resources, poultry and livestock, high-value crops and fibers, domestic trade, mechanization, and construction of irrigation facilities and farm-to-market roads.

Among also raised was the establishment of cold storage facilities for vegetables, local nurseries, and seed banks, inland fisheries and hatcheries, a data center for up-to-date agricultural statistics, and the creation of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

In line with this, the DA official said that the agency is currently completing a 10-point agenda addressing issues impeding the country's progress in the agriculture sector and its stakeholders, especially the farmers and fisherfolks, adding that more infrastructures, such as warehouses, seaports, and roads, will be constructed to lower product cost for consumers.

"The DA is also working towards digitalization and a thorough review of the minimum access volume to rationalize food importation," Laurel added.

He also guaranteed the councils that the DA would find funds to address all the issues and recommendations raised in the meeting and said more consultations would be held in the future.