Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has called on the agency’s officials and staff to strive for “greater achievements” this year despite the challenges facing the country’s agriculture sector.

“We achieved significant progress in 2024, but 2025 demands bigger goals and stronger resolve,” Laurel said during the DA’s first Management Committee meeting of the year.

“By increasing food production, modernizing agricultural infrastructure, and prioritizing farmer welfare, the agency seeks to foster sustainable growth in the agricultural sector,” he explained.

Laurel, in particular, wants the agency to focus on improving the country’s food security.

He noted that while the DA’s recent efforts helped stabilize food prices and address disruptions, the rising input costs, climate variability, and smuggling are still hurdles to food security.

The agriculture secretary said this goal is achievable if the agency achieves a record-high rice harvest and further development of agricultural systems in 2025.

The DA on Monday said it is eyeing to hit 20.46 million metric tons (MT) of rice harvest in 2025, which is an increase from last year’s estimates of 19.3 million MT.

Laurel said the agency will also pursue enhanced logistics for perishable goods such as vegetables and fruits. 

He emphasized that building infrastructures, including cold chain systems and regional production hubs, will be crucial in reducing postharvest losses and strengthening food availability in local markets.

“The path to achieving these objectives, however, is fraught with challenges,” he admitted.

Laurel cited rising fuel and fertilizer costs as the main threats to farmers’ resources, whereas global economic factors continue to push production expenses higher. 

He, however, mentioned that the unpredictable weather patterns last year which were linked to the El Niño and La Niña phenomenon are “not expected to immediately impact agriculture this year”.

The DA chief expressed optimism that the agency, through focus and government support, would achieve its goals for 2025.

“We have the tools and resources to succeed, but our success depends on your leadership, collaboration, and commitment,” Laurel told DA personnel.

“With clear priorities and a unified approach, the DA is set to tackle obstacles head-on, aiming to transform challenges into opportunities,” he continued.