The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) are bringing together governments, agribusinesses, technology providers, and development partners in Manila this month to expand access to affordable farm machinery and services—key to cutting production costs, easing farm labor shortages, and raising incomes for millions across the Asia-Pacific region.
The first Asia-Pacific Conference on Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization, running November 23 to 26, centers on turning technological progress into real benefits, especially for smallholder farmers who often lack the means to modernize their operations. Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. noted that the right technologies can help address longstanding labor shortages, lighten the physical load of farm work, boost harvests, and reduce losses after crops are gathered. He emphasized that mechanization is about more than just speeding up work—it eases the burden on older farmers, improves output, cuts waste, and puts more money in farming households’ pockets.
The Secretary also warned that modernization should not mean simply bringing in machinery from abroad. Instead, tools and services must match local farming conditions and what farmers can actually afford. He explained that technology needs to be accessible and suited to the size of local farms, so mechanization helps farmers rather than becoming another financial strain. He stressed that the conference is ultimately about people—farmers, innovators, and partners working together to turn good ideas into action on the ground.
Under the theme “Modernize. Scale. Sustain,” the conference will look at policy gaps, financing options, skills training, and business models that help small producers adopt technology without falling into debt. An exhibition will showcase precision farming, digital tools, and automation suited to different farm sizes, while sessions will encourage experience sharing and partnerships. Special focus will be placed on the roles of women and youth as technology users, innovators, and business leaders in the sector.
For the DA and FAO, the core goal is to ensure the benefits of farm modernization reach far beyond large commercial farms to small producers and rural communities. With the right machinery, financing, training, and policies, farming can become more productive, resilient, and profitable across the Asia-Pacific region.
