Department of Agriculture
Philippine Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on Wednesday (Oct. 16), World Food Day, met Italian Minister of Agriculture Francesco Lollobrigida to enhance agricultural partnerships and reaffirm the two countries’ commitment to sustainable food systems and trade.
Laurel stressed the significance of this partnership and congratulated Lollobrigida on Italy’s leadership as president of the G7, as well as the successful G7 Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting and the G7 Agricoltura e Pesca Expo in Siracusa last September.
The agri chief reflected on a key trade mission in March 2023, where Italian companies specializing in water management and irrigation explored collaboration opportunities with Philippine institutions, including the Bureau of Soils and Water Management and the National Irrigation Administration. This initiative laid the groundwork for deeper cooperation in modernizing the Philippines’ agricultural infrastructure.
“Italy’s agricultural machinery industry is world-class, and the Philippines can greatly benefit from this expertise as we modernize our agricultural sector,” Laurel said as the two countries agreed on a draft Memorandum of Understanding aimed at boosting productivity and agro-industrialization for millions of Filipino farmers.
The DA chief expressed optimism about expanding exports to include tuna, pineapples, frozen fish, carrageenan, and desiccated coconut. Philippine agricultural exports to Italy in 2023 totaled $129 million, led by crude coconut oil.
The growing Filipino community in Italy, now estimated at 200,000, has increased demand for Philippine food products. Small and medium-sized enterprises have formed the Philippine Chamber of Commerce in Italy, promoting Philippine cuisine among Italians.
The bilateral meeting also explored increasing agri-food trade and opportunities for skilled Filipino fisherfolk to work in Italy.
Lollobrigida extended Italy’s invitation for skilled fishermen to enhance the European country’s fishing industry while providing valuable opportunities for Filipino workers.
Looking ahead, the Philippines urged Italian businesses to invest in agricultural modernization. Laurel emphasized opportunities for Italian firms to contribute through smart agriculture technologies and irrigation systems, aligning with the Philippines’ goals of agro-industrialization and climate-resilient agriculture.
Discussions also centered on potential collaboration with FEDERUNACOMA, Italy’s National Federation of Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers, particularly in adapting machinery to the Philippines’ unique agricultural landscape.
Laurel expressed gratitude for Italy’s support in agricultural trade and collaboration. “Our partnership in agriculture reflects the shared vision of our two nations. We look forward to finalizing our agreements and ensuring sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Lollobrigida reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to strengthening agricultural cooperation, highlighting the mutual benefits of their collaboration. As both countries marked World Food Day, their engagement underscored the shared goal of promoting the right to food for a better future.
The Philippines and Italy have maintained a bilateral relationship for 77 years. (PR)