Agriculture
Japanese firm brings AI boost to bananas
Filipino banana growers could soon gain access to advanced artificial intelligence and drone technologies as Japanese agri-tech company E-SupportLink Ltd. moves to expand its operations in the Philippines, potentially accelerating efforts to modernize one of the country’s most important export industries.
Japan talks unlock Philippine farm export gains
Philippines is moving to expand agricultural exports to Japan while simultaneously importing advanced logistics and post-harvest technologies that officials say could reshape domestic supply chains, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said following meetings in Tokyo.
DA reforms El Niño Task Force amid threat of prolonged dry spell
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has reactivated its El Niño task force to prepare for a likely moderate-to-strong dry spell hitting in the fourth quarter of 2026 and lasting into early 2027. DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized urgent, coordinated steps to shield crops, farmer incomes, food supply, and prices from harm.
PH market for soups, ready meals seen growing; US exporters have big potential
The Philippine market for packaged soups and ready meals hit $176 million in retail sales in 2025, and is projected to rise to $237 million by 2030, according to the US Department of Agriculture in Manila, citing data from Euromonitor International.
US food giants target Philippines convenience boom
US food manufacturers are moving to capture a bigger slice of the Philippines’ fast-growing convenience meals market, as demand for easy-to-prepare food products accelerates alongside changing consumer lifestyles.
