Agriculture
DA, BOC seize P7M smuggled carrots hidden in noodle shipments
The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) have intercepted more than P7 million worth of smuggled fresh carrots concealed inside shipments falsely declared as processed food products, dealing another blow to agricultural smuggling operations that authorities say threaten both consumers and local farmers.
NDA: Key guidelines for new mandate ready before October
The National Dairy Authority (NDA) expects to finalize the implementing rules for its expanded role under Republic Act 12308, or the Animal Industry Development and Competitiveness Act, before October this year. The law allocates P20 billion annually over 10 years to strengthen the country’s livestock sector.
DA rolls out pineapple shipment to UAE, reopening Middle East market access
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has begun fulfilling fresh pineapple orders from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking a major push into the Middle East market and reopening key trade routes despite ongoing logistical challenges.
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.
