The Philippines and Japan have expanded their agricultural cooperation to include fisheries, opening the door to greater technology transfer, modernization programs, and joint efforts to strengthen food security amid growing climate and supply challenges.

The expanded Memorandum of Cooperation, signed during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s state visit to Japan, broadens a 2023 agreement between the Department of Agriculture and Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to cover both agriculture and fisheries.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. and Japanese Agriculture Minister Norikazu Suzuki formalized the agreement, which aims to deepen collaboration in areas such as smart farming, mechanization, biotechnology, digital transformation, climate resilience, fisheries development, pest management, and value-chain improvement.

The inclusion of fisheries marks a significant development for the Philippines, where the sector remains a key source of food and employment but continues to face challenges from climate change, resource pressures, and rising operating costs.

“Food security is not just about producing more crops. It is about building resilient food systems from farms to fishing grounds, embracing technology, and ensuring our farmers and fisherfolk can remain productive despite growing challenges,” Tiu Laurel said.

Tokyo-based Agriculture Attaché Aleli Maghirang said innovation will play a central role in the strengthened partnership.

“The new MOC also includes the promotion of innovation, including smart technology and digital transformation, for improving productivity in the Philippine agriculture and food systems,” she said.

The agreement also establishes a Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries, replacing the previous agriculture-focused mechanism and creating a wider platform for policy coordination, technical cooperation, and project development.

The first meeting of the new committee is scheduled on July 2 and 3 in Tokyo, where officials are expected to discuss initiatives aimed at improving productivity, fisheries management, post-harvest systems, and food supply resilience.

The expanded partnership comes as the Philippines seeks to modernize its food sector and enhance long-term food security through greater access to Japanese expertise and technology.