Agriculture
DA flags smuggled onions in Paco over public health risk
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has warned against buying illegally imported onions—often noticeably larger than locally grown allium—after samples collected last week from the Paco Public Market in Manila tested positive for E. coli.
25 metric tons of red onions seized in Misamis Oriental
The Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI), in collaboration with the Bureau of Customs (BOC), intercepted 25 metric tons of illegally imported red onions from China at the Mindanao International Container Terminal in Misamis Oriental.
DA delays MSRP cut amid global volatility
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said Monday the Department of Agriculture (DA) is delaying a plan to reduce the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) of imported rice next month, citing growing volatility in global markets sparked by escalating conflict in the Middle East.
Economic council OKs P27.7B rural bridge program
The Economy and Development (ED) Council, chaired by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., has approved the P27.7-billion Farm-to-Market Bridges Development Program (FMBDP) of the Department of Agriculture that will be financed through official development assistance from the government of France.
DA drafts bill seeking regulatory, marketing powers for NFA
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is putting the final touches on a draft bill restoring the critical functions of the National Food Authority (NFA)—a move seen as central to stabilizing rice supply and prices in the country.
