PH, Czech to boost collaboration on agriculture
The Philippines seeks to expand the access of local food products to the European Union as it 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 signed a letter of intent to beef up collaboration on agriculture.
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.
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.
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 intends to provide training on farming, livestock production, irrigation and water management. INQ
