BusinessWorld
CROPS OUTPUT, which made up 59% of the agriculture sector’s total production, jumped 3.3% in the first quarter. PHILIPPINE STAR/ MICHAEL VARCAS
THE COUNTRY’S agricultural output shrank by an annual 3.3% in the first quarter, as livestock and poultry production contracted, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Monday.
In a statement, the PSA said the value of production in the agriculture sector at constant 2018 prices dropped by 3.3% in the January to March period, lower than the -1.7% a year ago. However, this was still a slight improvement from the -3.8% posted in the fourth quarter of 2020.
“This was due to the reduction in the livestock and poultry production. On the other hand, crops and fisheries both recorded increases in production,” the PSA said.
Published April 24, 2021, 6:30 AM
Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF) and Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) have forged a joint research deal that targets to increase onion production in the Philippines as well as improve the local supply systems.
A statement showed that SEARCA and JGF, the corporate social responsibility arm of Jollibee Foods Corp., have recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will pave the way for a research project specifically to improve the country’s yield for onion, with a specific focus on yellow onion.
The MOU was signed by SEARCA Director Glenn Gregorio and JGF Executive Director Ma. Gisela Tiongson.
Govt urged to cut agri insurance tax Eireene Jairee Gomez
The government should slash the onerous tax of 26 percent to 27 percent on nonlife and agriculture insurance premium, an agri-finance expert said, stressing that the current policy hinders the entry of cash-rich private sector investors that can significantly accelerate rural farm activity through financing.
In a webinar hosted by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (Searca), Jaime Aristotle Alip said tax on nonlife insurance, including those for crop or agriculture insurance, should be around the rate of life insurance, which is only at a minimal 2 percent. Other nonlife insurance with high tax are disaster insurance and health insurance, he added.
Filipino rice scientist appointed UN Food Systems Champion pia.gov.ph - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from pia.gov.ph Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
(MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) announced that Gregorio, a professor at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), made it to the list of staunch advocates of the Food Systems of the UN Food Systems Summit 2021.
“Congratulations to Academician Glenn B. Gregorio for being one of the new Food Systems Champions of the United Nations Food Systems Summit 2021,” it said in a Facebook post.
Gregorio has been a member of the NAST-PHL since July 2018.
Prior to his appointment to SEARCA, a non-profit organization that aims to build capacities in agricultural and rural development in Southeast Asia, he served at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) for 15 years.