Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. called for stronger ASEAN-India collaboration Wednesday at the Ninth ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry, warning that geopolitical tensions, climate shocks, and volatile farm input costs threaten regional food supplies.
Speaking as 2026 ASEAN chairman, Tiu Laurel emphasized food security can no longer be treated as a domestic issue, with cross-border disruptions in trade, energy, and logistics directly impacting farmers and consumers. He cited India’s key role in agricultural expertise, research, and technology to build resilience.
Ministers reviewed the expiring 2021–2025 cooperation plan and advanced a new 2026–2030 framework focused on food security, climate adaptation, innovation, and robust value chains. The Philippines faces domestic risks from extreme weather and input cost volatility; Tiu Laurel stressed regional coordination can prevent disruptions from escalating into full crises.
ASEAN’s long-term priorities include food security, sustainability, market connectivity, and digital agriculture. Tiu Laurel urged practical, results-driven partnerships to safeguard supply chains and support farming communities across the region.
