DA launches new office to boost high-value crop exports
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has formed a new standalone office aimed at boosting the competitiveness of local high-value crops such as bananas and ube in foreign markets amid an increasingly complex global value chain.
Under Department Order (DO) No. 12 dated April 8, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel ordered the creation of the High-Value Export Crops and Agri-Fishery Export Development and Promotion Program Management Office (HVEC AFEDP-PMO) to consolidate the DA’s push to strengthen the export potential of select high-value crops under a dedicated office.
HVEC AFEDP-PMO will lead export development initiatives for high-value crops while ensuring their alignment with international market requirements and integration into global value chains.
It is also expected to oversee the implementation of government intervention measures to help position high-value crops in competitive markets abroad.
“The increasing complexity of international markets and global value chains necessitates a more focused and export-oriented approach for identified high-value crops with demonstrated export potential,” Tiu Laurel said in DO 12.
As part of its implementation, the DA identified 15 high-value crops as initial priority export crops under HVEC AFEDP-PMO.
These include banana, mango, durian, cacao, pineapple, avocado, pomelo, okra, dragon fruit, rambutan, asparagus, calamansi, dalandan, pili, and ube.
The planning, coordination, and implementation of programs for these crops will cover the full value chain, from pre-production to actual shipment abroad.
Beyond these crops, HVEC AFEDP-PMO will also oversee programs aimed at enhancing the supply chains of other potential and emerging export crops and fisheries.
These programs will include providing technical guidance, strategic direction, and capacity-building assistance to enhance export development, quality, and access to international markets.
Under DO 12, the newly formed office is also tasked with coordinating with other units in the DA and other government agencies to “implement a unified and coherent export development roadmap.”
HVEC AFEDP-PMO will also promote public-private partnerships (PPPs) to support the export of high-value crops, as well as recommend free trade agreements (FTAs) to widen market access, among other functions.
The office will be under the direct supervision of Agriculture Undersecretary for identified high-value export crops and agri-fishery export development and promotion Philip Young.