The Department of Agriculture (DA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with 25 companies of the US-Asean Business Council (USABC) to strengthen agricultural cooperation in the Philippines.
Josyline Javelosa, Philippine agriculture attaché to the United States, said the agreement aims to set agricultural priorities of mutual interests among these companies.
The MOU also calls for better collaboration and regular communication between member- companies.
Some of the companies that signed the agreement are Abbott, Archer Daniel’s Midland, Bayer, Cargill, Coca-Cola, Corteva Agriscience, Elanco Animal Health, Herbalife Nutrition, John Deere, MSD Animal Health, Nestle Purina, PepsiCo, Reckitt Benckiser, Scoular, Tyson and Yum! Brands.
Identified cooperation areas are on livestock production and animal health, agricultural trading and investment, plant science, agricultural technology and digital agriculture, food safety, inclusive business and sustainability.
The DA said the agreement is also expected to increase two-way agricultural trade between the two countries; enhance public information-sharing of policies, regulations and potential investment opportunities; and promote the role of international trade and foreign investment in improving food security. – Jed Macapagal