Europe-PH News

THE European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), through its Agriculture Committee, held the 9th Sustainable Agriculture Forum bringing together leaders from the government, industry and development institutions to explore strategies that can drive resilience, productivity and inclusive growth in the Philippine agriculture sector, at Raffles and Fairmont Makati on April 30, 2026.

The forum underscored the critical role of agriculture in shaping livelihoods, ensuring food security and strengthening national resilience amid mounting global and local challenges. 

Key sessions explored the integration of climate-responsive practices and emerging technologies, alongside pathways to strengthen competitiveness and deepen value creation across crops, livestock, and fisheries.

“The Philippines has the opportunity not only to participate in dialogue, but to lead by example in agricultural transformation, and the European Union can be a strong partner,” ECCP President Paulo Duarte shared. 

“With the anticipated conclusion of the EU-Philippine Free Trade Agreement talks, we have a unique opportunity to accelerate modernization, unlock investment, and align with global best practices,” he added.

Philippine Coconut Authority Administrator and CEO Dexter Buted also noted that the European business community brings the expertise, technology and market insights needed to accelerate transformation.

Department of Agriculture Livestock Undersecretary Constante Palabrica said “government interventions are warranted to enhance sector resilience and competitiveness.”

He also noted that the animal industry holds much promise and is a strong pillar of agricultural development. “For agriculture to be sustainable, especially in these critical times of spiraling energy and input costs, we must have a sustainable way to finance agriculture,” former Secretary of Agriculture and current member of the House of Representatives Arthur Yap remarked.