The Department of Agriculture (DA) expects expanded support for farmers and fisherfolk following the signing of the P6.793 trillion national budget for 2026.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. signed the 2026 national budget on Monday, enabling increased spending on agriculture-related infrastructure, farm support, and postharvest facilities. 

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the larger outlay could help improve productivity, reduce postharvest losses, and stabilize food supply, outcomes that are expected to benefit both producers and consumers.

However, Tiu Laurel said the actual impact on the sector will depend on the final details of the General Appropriations Act (GAA), which the department has yet to fully review.

“I haven’t seen the actual GAA in its entirety, so it’s difficult to comment on all the details,” he said in a statement on Monday. “We’re happy that the budget has finally been released, but we still need to review what the final version entails.”

The DA is among the agencies whose funding was strengthened through the reallocation of flood-control funds.

The budget for farm-to-market roads was doubled to P33 billion, while allocations for the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund were tripled to P30 billion. 

The budget also includes P20 billion for the implementation of the Animal Industry Competitiveness Act, as well as additional funding for the expanded rice program.

Tiu Laurel stressed that close scrutiny will be needed to ensure the funds translate into concrete benefits for farmers, fisherfolk, and other stakeholders across the agricultural value chain, underscoring the importance of effective implementation and accountability.

The agriculture chief also pointed to the need to align the budget with ongoing sector reforms, including modernization, climate resilience, and food security initiatives.

Postharvest support remains a priority, as losses from inadequate storage and logistics continue to weigh on farm productivity.