PH, Czech Republic to boost collaboration on agriculture

MANILA — The Philippines seeks to expand the access of local food products to the European Union as the country reached a “mutual understanding” with the Czech Republic to improve agricultural trade and widen technology transfers.

In a statement on Monday, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said the two countries had signed a letter of intent to beef up collaboration on agricultural initiatives.

The DA said it is looking at expanding the market of locally-produced agricultural products within the European Union.

“We have some products ready for export so market access is also very important to us, especially the European Union, which is one of the best markets in the world for our products,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said.

READ: PH pushes agri exports to E. Europe

Aside from greater market share, the country is interested in learning more about the Czech dairy industry, among the top dairy producers in Europe, as well as its water and irrigation management, livestock production and online platform.

Farming, livestock raising

According to the DA, the digital platform offers information and comprehensive solutions concerning agriculture, including technology, machinery and direct communications with machinery producers.

It hopes to learn about and purchase bull sperm for artificial insemination to improve the quality of local herd.

The Philippines imports 99 percent of its dairy requirements, mostly from the United States and New Zealand. It also sources from overseas suppliers parent stocks for cattle and other livestock.

The Czech Republic expressed its intention to provide training on farming, livestock production and irrigation and water management. Czech Agriculture Minister Marek Výborný said they are ready to assist in agriculture and trade negotiations, among others.

“We’re definitely ready to offer cooperation. Your aims and ambitions are very similar to what we have in the Czech Republic, where our agricultural sector is also undergoing dynamic changes toward modern technologies, innovations, science and research and the application of their outcomes,” Výborný said.

He also said the European country is in need of more Filipino workers to further develop its agricultural sector and increase food output.