Philippines, France boosts agricultural ties after high-level meetings in Paris

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The Philippines and France are seeking to beef up their cooperation in the agricultural sector following recent high-level meetings in Paris on September 23 to 24, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said.

Agricultural Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the enhanced ties mean "greater opportunities to bring in technology, knowledge and investments that can benefit our farmers and strengthen our food systems."

“Our partnership with France is important as we work to make Philippine agriculture more productive, competitive and resilient," Tiu Laurel said.

During the 4th Philippines-France Joint Steering Committee (JSC), stakeholders identified animal health, food safety, dairy development, geographical indications, organic agriculture, development financing, and agricultural research and innovation as priority areas for closer cooperation.

Manila and France also explored deeper collaboration with the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD).

According to DA, this joint effort will focus on research, graduate studies, scientific exchanges, and researcher mobility, targeting key sectors like mango and banana farming, aquaculture, agroecology, climate resilience, sustainable landscapes, and modern agritech.

France also expressed support for training Filipino veterinarians in biosecurity, transboundary animal disease control, border controls, and risk-based inspection.

Meanwhile, during the Agriculture and the 3rd Philippines-France Agricultural Forum, France shared its experience with using advanced agricultural machinery and standards.

The Philippine delegation led by DA Assistant Secretary Paz Benavidez II also met with the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) to explore possible support for climate-resilient agriculture, research and innovation, geographical indications, organic agriculture, and the marine and blue economy. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/NB, GMA News