DA woos European biz group

Agriculture Secretary William Dar described potential areas of partnership in the area of agri-business between the Philippines and Europe as “boundless”.

Agriculture chief William Dar made a presentation of the food safety measures being undertaken by the DA.

To help bankroll its nationwide initiatives, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is lobbying members of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) to invest in the country’s agricultural sector.

The ECCP is a bilateral foreign group that promotes European interests in the Philippines and vice versa. Headed by Mr. Nabil Francis, it has nearly 800 members offering a business network that can translate to business opportunities.

In a recent meeting with members of the ECCP, Agriculture Secretary William Dar described potential areas of partnership in the area of agri-business between the Philippines and Europe as “boundless.” He enjoined Belgium Ambassador Michel Goffin to also invest in establishing of solar-powered irrigation systems (SPIS).

“If you can bring in the same investment as the Israelis, you are most welcome. The $200-million investment that we just have now concluded is not enough if we need to cover the countryside. We still have big space for the company from Belgium,” Dar said.

The agriculture chief, during the meeting, also made a presentation of the food safety measures being undertaken by DA, particularly the ban on imported pork and pork products infected by African swine fever (ASF).

He also assured that all meat and meat products that reach the local markets are safe and having gone through proper documentation and processing. As a result, he said prices of pork are now returning to normal.

“Inclusive agri-industrialization and agripreneurship will create employment and income opportunities to millions of smallholder farmers and fishers in the country,” Dar said.

Furthermore, DA has embarked on a crop diversification program to help farmers reduce their dependence on a single crop such as rice.

“Through crop diversification and projects for value-adding, our farmers could eventually, tap the export market and earn more,” the Agri chief said.

Dar also emphasized the need to provide more adequate support for farmers through agripreneurial skills training, sufficient and affordable capital and credit, production and postharvest mechanization support.

“We have crafted an entrepreneurship program for implementation early next year to encourage the Filipino youth to venture into the local farm industry. We are allocating funds to serve as start-up capital loans supporting young farmers to develop their own agricultural enterprise,” Dar said.