Mixed reactions arise as Francisco Tiu Laurel's appointment as Secretary of Agriculture is challenged by fishermen's group. Calls to renounce importation policies and prioritize local food producers are made, as imported fishery products negatively impact livelihoods. Assistance during natural calamities and production subsidies are also demanded. On the other hand, agricultural groups welcome Laurel's appointment and express support for his leadership. Find out more about the implications of this appointment. (10,000 characters)
The Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (Sinag) on Monday proposed the abolition of the National Food Authority (NFA) over the agency’s alleged preference to import rice rather than buy from Filipino farmers. In a statement, Rosendo So, president of Sinag, said that the latest “showcase” of NFA’s “skewed preference” for imported…
The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday urged the importation of 500,000 metric tons (MT) of rice from November 2023 to January 2024 to ensure rice supply amid the El Niño phenomenon.