The Philippines is expanding its agricultural trade with Japan as it looks to bolster market access for local fisheries and promote the modernization of the agriculture sector, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the agency is now awaiting pending amendments to the Philippines-Japan memorandum of cooperation (MOC) on agriculture as it aims to strengthen both countries’ agricultural ties.

He said the government is particularly keen on the inclusion of fisheries in the MOC, given the sector’s growing role in the country’s food security, employment, and export development.

The changes to the agreement will also cover deeper technological collaboration, as the Philippines looks to leverage Japan’s expertise in smart agriculture, digital systems, and precision farming.

The DA said this partnership would support the country’s ongoing efforts to improve productivity, as well as modernize its food systems.

Further, the amended agreement would establish a Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries, which intends to institutionalize cooperation and sustain long-term initiatives between the two countries.

The agency expects the updated MOC to be finalized and signed during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s upcoming state visit to Japan from May 26 to 29.

During this visit, the Philippines is also seeking to advance ongoing technical assessments regarding its request to lower tariffs on fresh bananas in Japan, as provided under the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement.

Under JPEPA, Japan imposes an eight-percent tariff on bananas from the Philippines between October and March, and a higher duty of 18 percent from April to September.

While Philippine bananas continue to hold a significant share of the Japanese market, their dominance may soon falter as countries with lower tariffs gradually expand their exports.

The DA said it is also awaiting progress on new market access, particularly for Philippine pomelos in Japan and Japanese grapes in the Philippines.

Following a high-level dialogue with Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuya Endo on Monday, May 4, the DA said both sides also explored collaboration in fertilizer production, including biofertilizers and precision agriculture technologies.

Tiu Laurel said the upcoming state visit to Japan further reaffirms the strength and continuity of both countries’ partnership, especially in food security, sustainability, and innovation.

“It also provides an opportunity to align our priorities and accelerate initiatives that will directly benefit Filipino farmers and fisherfolk,” he said. (Dexter Barro II)