Agriculture
DA draws line on farmland conversion in food security push
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. has delivered a bold policy pivot, ordering an immediate freeze on all new agricultural land reclassification applications as the Department of Agriculture (DA) moves to fortify the nation’s food security strategy and shield precious farmland from rapid conversion pressures.
DA pushes limited rice varieties to improve processing efficiency
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is encouraging rice farmers in areas covered by rice processing systems (RPS) to plant only one or two rice varieties per area to speed up processing and reduce costs.
DA expands ₱20 rice program in Aklan
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has expanded the rollout of its ₱20-per-kilo rice program in Aklan to help keep rice affordable for low-income families while supporting local farmers.
DA secures palay buying commitment ahead of harvests, despite rice imports
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has secured firm commitments from rice millers and importers to buy local palay at minimum prices, even as imported rice enters the market.
SRA sets rules for planned 100,000-MT raw sugar exports to US
The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) has issued new guidelines governing the planned export of up to 100,000 metric tons (MT) of raw sugar to the United States for crop year 2025–2026, outlining who may participate and stressing that the program can be stopped at any time if conditions change.
