The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday emphasized the growing partnership between the Philippines and Canada, following a high-level development meeting between DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and Canada’s Secretary of State for International Development, Randeep Sarai, in early November.

In a statement, Tiu Laurel expressed his gratitude for Canada's ongoing support of the Marcos administration’s food security goals.

“Canada remains a vital partner in strengthening our agricultural sector,” Tiu Laurel said. “Our shared commitment to food security, value addition, and technical cooperation positions both countries for long-term, mutually beneficial growth.”

However, the DA chief highlighted the need for the Philippines to improve agricultural logistics, cold-chain systems, and value addition for high-value crops.

On Canada’s part, Sarai reaffirmed their country’s support, citing a CAD 26 million investment package aimed at global agricultural initiatives.

During the meeting, Canada expressed its support for the Philippine cacao and coffee industries, as well as for advancing climate resilience, building regulatory capacity, and combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Additionally, the Philippines expressed interest in Canadian expertise on dairy genetics, including semen, live animals, and information exchange regarding farm conditions and cow comfort.

Tiu Laurel also indicated that the Philippines seeks Canada’s guidance in expanding the fortification of agricultural products, particularly as the DA works on constructing a new rice fortification plant.

DA PHOTO