The Department of Agriculture (DA) unveiled its three-year plan to improve food production, boost agricultural productivity, lower food costs, and allow investments in farming and fisheries.

In a statement on Tuesday, Jan. 16, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. said the agency's foremost priority is to modernize local agriculture and enhance benefits throughout the entire value chain.

“Farmers and fisherfolk should get fair value for their produce, prices of goods should be affordable, while traders, processors, and retailers should be able to generate reasonable profits,” he told the Cabinet members.

Seven agenda were unveiled to the Cabinet members on Tuesday, Jan. 16.

These include the expansion and improvement of agri-fishery areas; mechanization and modernization of agriculture and fishery production systems; better post-harvest systems and facilities; development of efficient logistics systems; expansion of market access digitalization; proper balancing of both the agency in terms of development and regulatory and; strong partnership with farmers, fisherfolk, and the private sector.

“It's important to address the decades-old inequity where farmers and fishers do not benefit from the fruits of their labor. We also envision making farming and fisheries viable for investors and a career option for young Filipinos,” Laurel added.

Moreover, the DA said they will establish new irrigation facilities, zoning, and identification of key areas, and improve infrastructures to boost production in land and water areas.

Recently, the department made post-harvest facilities to increase the rice and corn inventory by 23 days.

This was done to lessen grain imports without increasing production areas and only reducing the losses in post-harvest.

“The multi-year program will cost around P93 billion which could be recovered in under nine years,” the Agri chief elaborated.

The DA will then have an assistant secretary for logistics to optimize the costs for everyone involved in the value chain, including producers down to consumers, as Laurel explained that the need to improve logistics would achieve a sustainable and cost-effective agricultural system.

“This initiative involves streamlining transportation, distribution, and management processes for inputs and outputs,” he said.

Moreover, a digitalization program would boost operations in the agri-fisheries sector by equipping decision-makers, food producers, and consumers with accessible technology and advanced tools.

“Accurate and real-time data will enable stakeholders to make smarter, data-driven decisions and efficiently manage emergencies and day-to-day operations,” Laurel emphasized.

Legislative reforms are also being pursued to update certain laws and regulations that allow the DA to be more efficient in addressing the challenges within the farm and fisheries sector.

“[We are] also looking at improving market access and reach for Philippine agricultural products to empower farmers and fisherfolk to increase their income and make the sector a viable investment alternative and farming a career option for the next generation,” he said.