Agriculture
US crab ban threatens key export lifeline
The Philippines' blue swimming crab industry is facing a major threat to one of its most important export markets, prompting exporters to call for urgent government intervention before a looming US import restriction takes effect.
Philippines, Japan expand food security pact to cover fisheries
The Philippines and Japan have broadened their agricultural cooperation to include fisheries, upgrading a 2023 agreement through an enhanced Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) signed during President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s state visit to Japan. Signed by Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. and Japanese Agriculture Minister Norikazu Suzuki, the expanded pact aims to speed up technology transfer, modernize both sectors, and strengthen food security amid climate risks, higher production costs, and rising food demand.
PH sends first commercial carabao mango shipment to Toronto
The Philippines has dispatched its first-ever commercial batch of fresh Carabao mangoes to Toronto, Canada, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Rice, corn stockpiles rise ahead of harvest
The Philippines entered May with larger rice and corn inventories, providing a cushion against supply disruptions and helping ease concerns over food availability as the country moves toward the next harvest cycle.
DA targets August start for new FMR projects
The Department of Agriculture on Wednesday (DA) said that the construction of major farm‑to‑market roads (FMR) under its program is set to begin by August this year, with bidding activities scheduled from June to July. In a briefing in Quezon City, DA assistant secretary and spokesperson Arnel de Mesa, who also chairs the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) for large FMR projects, said preparations are already underway, including a pre‑procurement conference scheduled soon.
