Philippines and France agree to develop agricultural sector

January 18, 2022 | 00:00

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and France will work together to develop the Philippine dairy sector and other agricultural areas.

In a statement, the DA said Agriculture Secretary William Dar and French Ambassador to the Philippines Michèle Boccoz signed a joint statement yesterday affirming the intentions of the two countries for the development of the Philippine dairy sector.

“During the event, Dar and Boccoz discussed public policies and areas of support between the two countries aimed at further improving and strengthening partnerships for the development of the agricultural sector,” the DA said.

In his message, Dar asked for help from France, especially for available vaccines that could help the Philippine government fight African Swine Fever (ASF), which continues to wreak havoc on the local industry.

Dar said unscrupulous traders who continue to sell infected pigs have caused the relentless spread of African swine fever.

He, however, assured that the DA continues to strengthen the implementation of the restocking program on the restructuring of the industry based on barns and farms.

France is the country’s fourth largest source of agricultural imports among EU member countries.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that the Philippines imported $44.58 million worth of agricultural products from France in the third quarter of 2021.

Meat and edible offal was France’s top agricultural import, with $15.7 million. Next come dairy products, birds’ eggs; natural honey and edible animal products totaling $11.53 million.

Agricultural exports to France amounted to $11.18 million in the third quarter of last year.

Edible fruits and nuts and citrus peels were the top exports with a total value of $1.84 million.