Agriculture
DA probe shows Ilocos fertilizer controversy due to misuse
The Department of Agriculture said Wednesday that investigation conducted on reports in Region I of “insoluble and floating” fertilizer was caused by improper product application, not product defect, easing concern over the integrity of government-supplied inputs.
Audit spurs DA review of ill-funded goat breeding drive
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. has ordered a comprehensive review of an ambitious goat breeding program launched under the Duterte administration but left chronically underfunded, after state auditors flagged widespread animal deaths linked to poor care.
Gov’t reviews plan to sell state-owned coconut chemicals plant
The Department of Agriculture (DA) said the government is reviewing whether to proceed with the planned sale of United Coconut Chemicals Inc. (Cocochem), a state-owned coconut chemicals facility in Batangas, as global demand for coconut-based products rises.
Sugar import ban to stay another year
The Department of Agriculture (DA) said the ban on sugar imports will remain in place until December 2026, clarifying that it will not end in September 2026 when the current crop year ends.
Budget boost paves way for more farm-to-market roads in 2026
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. welcomed Congress’ decision to more than double funding for farm-to-market roads (FMRs), calling it a “game-changing investment” for farmers, food supply chains, and rural economies as lawmakers finalize the 2026 national budget.
