The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) are deepening collaboration to advance sustainable agriculture, innovation, and trade between the European Union and the Philippines — a move that could help unlock greater market access and investment opportunities in the agri-food sector.

DA Undersecretary Roger Navarro, welcomed the EU-ABC delegation, which recently visited Manila. Navarro described the Council as “a vital partner in advancing innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth” in agriculture across the region.

“This cooperation between the Philippines and EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) will continue to enhance productivity, competitiveness, and food security not just in the Philippines but across the Southeast Asian region,” Navarro said.

The talks come as the Philippines prepares to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026, positioning the country to lead regional priorities on climate-smart and regenerative agriculture — one of the ASEAN’s 2026 Priority Economic Deliverables (PEDs).

Strengthening agri-value chains

The DA said the partnership aligns with the country’s goal of strengthening agri-value chains and building resilience amid climate and market volatility.

EU-ABC executive director Chris Humphrey underscored the Council’s active engagement in ASEAN through initiatives such as the ASEAN Health Summit in Kuala Lumpur and the Sustainability Summit hosted by its Philippine Chapter.

Humphrey reaffirmed EU-ABC’s commitment to expanding partnerships with rural communities and advancing inclusive, sustainable agriculture across the region.

He also expressed the Council’s strong support for the completion of the long-awaited EU–Philippines Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which is seen as key to deepening trade and investment ties between Europe and the Philippines.

Long pending EU-Phl FTA

Part of a broader EU-ASEAN trade, the long-pending FTA between the EU and the Philippines, agenda is expected to expand export opportunities for Philippine agricultural products such as coconut, cacao, bananas and processed food, while attracting European investment in agri-technology, cold-chain logistics, and renewable energy integration in farming systems.

During the meeting, officials from both sides discussed possible cooperation in animal health, dairy development, farm mechanization, organic and regenerative agriculture, and climate-resilient technologies.

The DA said these are areas where European expertise and investment can help modernize local agribusinesses and raise productivity among smallholder farmers.

Also in attendance were DA Undersecretary Constante Palabrica, National Dairy Authority Administrator Marcus Andaya, Bureau of Animal Industry OIC-Director Dr. Christian Daquigan, Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service Director Junibert de Sagun, and representatives from the DA’s International Affairs Division.

On the European side, European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines executive director Florian Gottien joined the delegation, along with representatives from several European agri-food and technology firms.

Main platform

The EU-ABC serves as the main platform for European businesses operating in Southeast Asia. It facilitates dialogue between the private sector and ASEAN governments to promote trade, investment, and sustainable economic growth.

The council plays a key role in policy advocacy, supports regional integration efforts, and works with ASEAN member states — including the Philippines — to advance initiatives on innovation, food security, and sustainability across the region.