The Department of Agriculture (DA) wants to improve the country's livestock production, as well as management in the dairy and irrigation industry through the help of the Czech Republic.
In a statement on Monday, April 1, DA said that several issues on agriculture have been discussed during the recent meeting between Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. and Czech Republic Agriculture Minister Marek Výborný.
According to the DA, the mutual understanding between the two countries would improve bilateral trade within livestock and dairy production, as well as better water management, as these agricultural aspects were found successful in Czech Republic.
“[We] hope to learn from the Czech Republic’s experiences in becoming one of the top dairy producing country in Europe and one of the major suppliers of beef, and to purchase bull sperm for artificial insemination to improve the quality of local herd,” Tiu Laurel said.
The DA said that most of the dairy requirements are sourced through importation.
Aside from boosting production, the Philippines hopes to upgrade the local online platform to offer accessible and timely agricultural information, while also getting comprehensive technology and machinery solutions.
Additionally, Tiu Laurel is interested in expanding the market of domestic agricultural products to Europe, stating that “we have some products ready for export so market access is also very important to us, especially the European Union which is one of the best markets in the world for our products.”
In response, Minister Výborný is open to negotiating trade and assisting the Philippines in improving the Agriculture sector.
“We're definitely ready to offer cooperation. Your aims and ambitions are very similar to what we have in the Czech Republic, where our agricultural sector is also undergoing dynamic changes towards modern technologies, innovations, science and research, and the application of their outcomes,” he replied.
Because of this, Filipinos have been offered training in farming, livestock production, and irrigation by the Czech minister.
In exchange, the Czech Republic hopes to further develop its agriculture as well with the help of Filipino workers.