The EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) met with officials from the Department of Agriculture (DA) to strengthen cooperation on agriculture, trade, and sustainability between the European Union and the Philippines.
DA undersecretary Roger Navarro welcomed the EU-ABC delegation, calling the Council a “vital partner in advancing innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth” in Philippine and ASEAN agriculture. “This cooperation between the Philippines and EU-ASEAN Business Council will continue to enhance productivity, competitiveness, and food security not just in the Philippines but across the Southeast Asian region,” Navarro said.
Navarro also thanked EU-ABC for its participation in the 47th ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry Meeting and its support for ASEAN’s 2026 Priority Economic Deliverable on regenerative and resilient agriculture. The Philippines will chair ASEAN in 2026, giving it a key role in leading climate-smart and sustainable farming efforts.
EU-ABC executive director Chris Humphrey cited the Council’s continued engagement in ASEAN through initiatives such as the Health Summit in Kuala Lumpur and the annual Sustainability Summit in Manila. He reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to building partnerships with rural communities, promoting sustainable agriculture, and supporting the conclusion of the EU–Philippines Free Trade Agreement.
Both sides discussed possible collaborations in animal health, dairy development, farm mechanization, organic and regenerative agriculture, and climate-resilient farming.
The meeting was also attended by other DA officials and representatives from the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines and various European companies.
The DA and EU-ABC reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthen agricultural ties and promote sustainable growth, innovation, and resilience in the agri-food sector.
