Still dealing with the P2-billion agricultural damage caused by Super Typhoon "Karding," the Department of Agriculture (DA) received an assurance from Canada to support the Philippines' food security and agricultural growth.

Canadian Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau went to Manila for an official visit to DA officials last Sept. 25 to 26.

In a meeting with Agriculture Senior Undersecretary Domingo F. Panganiban, the Canadian official expressed sympathy and concern to the Philippines following the wrath of Karding, particularly in Central Luzon, as she committed to help the country face the impact of climate change and other problems stopping agricultural growth and innovation.

“Canada recognizes the impact of climate change on Philippine agriculture, food security, and poverty reduction. We are committed to support interventions that promote increased agricultural growth while adopting climate-smart and gender-sensitive approaches,” she said.

During her two-day visit, Bibeau worked to ensure increased cooperation, expand trade and investment, and promote Canadian agri-food products and solutions. She met with local meat importers and other agri-food importers in retail, flour milling, and wheat; as well as engaged with government officials, business leaders, civil society groups, and other stakeholders from Philippine agriculture and agri-food industries and organizations.

“We are committed to elevate this relationship even further and to explore ways Canada can contribute to the Philippines’ agri-food sector by being a reliable partner on food security,” Bibeau assured, highlighting priorities including combatting climate change, food security, and working to preserve fragile environments.

The DA’s relationship with Canada’s agriculture department has grown stronger over the years, and Philippine agri-food exports to Canada, which include coconuts, pineapples, dried mangoes, seafood, and processed food have steadily increased even throughout the pandemic.

“In recent years, Canada and the Philippines have enjoyed a healthy trading relationship for agri-food and seafood. Canada kept its borders open during the pandemic and continuously exported quality food and feed products that supplemented both our domestic food production industries and contribute to global food security,” Bibeau stated.

To note, the Philippines has become Canada’s second largest agri-food and seafood export market in Southeast Asia. In 2021, Canada’s exports to the Philippines grew by over 64 percent to over C$ 567 million from 2020.

In addition, agri-food and seafood constituted approximately 35 percent of Canada’s total exports to the Philippines, making Canada’s second-largest export market for poultry, fifth for pork, and eighth for beef.