Agriculture Secretary William Dar challenged the Filipino youth, specifically graduating college students, to make a difference by engaging in an agri-fishery enterprise.

Given the 'new normal' scenario, the Department of Agriculture (DA) from hereon will partner strongly with the private sector, particularly with agribusiness conglomerates like San Miguel Corporation (SMC) that committed to buy various products from farmers and fishers to ensure the steady supply of adequate, accessible and affordable food for consumers in Metro Manila and other urban centers nationwide.

TAGUIG CITY—Implementing agencies of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) convene for an orientation and harmonization workshop for 2020.

The two-day activity served as an avenue to present activities and accomplishments of each agency on the implementation of RCEF in 2019 in the national and regional levels.

Ushering the new year, Agriculture Secretary William Dar reported the plans and programs of the Department of Agriculture (DA) in the coming months, including medium- and long-terms, during a press conference on January 3, 2020.

Dar issued Administrative Order No. 1, Series of 2020 establishing the policy framework and strategies for inclusive agri-industrialization and “new thinking for agriculture.”

ALFONSO, Cavite—Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar called for collective support in lowering the cost of production for organic agriculture during the 16th National Organic Agriculture Congress (NOAC).

“The challenge today for the organic agriculture sector is to further reduce the cost of production and increase productivity so that, at the end of the day, the products being sold in the market become more affordable,” he said.

DILIMAN, Quezon City—New Department of Agriculture Secretary William Dar has urged private sector partners and agriculture enthusiasts to support the growth of moringa farming in the country to become a highly profitable enterprise from being a backyard industry.

“This [industry] will not only bring us more economic opportunities and increased income but will also contribute to the wellness and good health of the people,” Dar said.