Agriculture
DA eyes higher 2025 budget to address severe lack of farm infra
The Department of Agriculture is finalizing a proposal that will substantially increase its budget for 2025 to pursue its goal of modernizing the farm and fisheries sectors to produce more food, ensure food security, and increase incomes of farmers and fishermen.
DA names BFAR OIC after Ombudsman dismisses former chief
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. on Wednesday appointed Isidro Velayo, Jr. as officer-in-charge of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) after receiving an Ombudsman order dismissing BFAR director Demosthenes Escoto.
DA chief backs RTL extension with modifications
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. supports the proposed extension of the Rice Tariffication Law subject to modifications that will ensure optimum impact on modernizing agriculture, enhancing farm productivity and improving rice farmers’ competitiveness and income.
Rice wholesale price remains elevated in March — PSA data
The wholesale price of rice continued to rise in March, with well-milled rice hitting a national average of P50.84 a kilo, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority show.
DA confident local tobacco could make grade as smoke-free product
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. is confident Philippine tobacco could make the grade for new smoke-free products that could help reverse the decline in local leaf production and boost earnings for millions of Filipino farmers dependent on the high-value crop.
