Philippines, France deepen agricultural cooperation

Author: DA Press Office | 8 October 2026

PARIS, France-The Philippines and France moved to deepen agricultural ties, with both sides advancing cooperation on farm trade, research, food safety, animal health and climate-resilient agriculture during high-level meetings in Paris on September 23-24, 2026.

A major outcome was the signing of the Work Plan for the Importation of Table and Seed Potatoes from France, opening a new avenue for agricultural trade while strengthening cooperation on plant health.

Assistant Secretary for Policy and Regulations Atty. Paz J. Benavidez II led the Department of Agriculture (DA) delegation as Philippine co-chair of the 4th Philippines-France Joint Steering Committee (JSC) on Agriculture and the 3rd Philippines-France Agricultural Forum.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said stronger ties with France could help the Philippines tap expertise, technology, and investment to advance the country's farm sector.

"Our partnership with France is important as we work to make Philippine agriculture more productive, competitive and resilient. Stronger cooperation means greater opportunities to bring in technology, knowledge and investments that can benefit our farmers and strengthen our food systems," Tiu Laurel said.

The JSC identified animal health, food safety, dairy development, geographical indications, organic agriculture, development financing, and agricultural research and innovation as priority areas for closer cooperation.

The Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), led by Director Cecilia N. Gascon, PhD, advanced talks with France's Directorate General for Education and Research on joint agricultural research and innovation.

The discussions highlighted Philippine initiatives on Regenerative and Resilient Agriculture and PUNLA Pilipinas, a proposed national system for producing and distributing clean, high-quality planting materials.

The two sides also explored expanded cooperation with the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), including joint research, graduate education, scientific exchanges and researcher mobility.

Potential areas include mango and banana production, aquaculture, agroecology, climate resilience, sustainable landscapes and emerging agricultural technologies.

The Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS), led by Director Karen Kristine A. Roscom, also pursued cooperation with French counterparts on organic agriculture, food safety and standards.

The discussions focused on certification, labeling, traceability and conformity assessment to help Philippine organic products meet European Union requirements and gain access to the French market.

The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), led by Director Christian P. Daquigan, met with France's Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Emmanuelle Soubeyran to discuss animal health issues affecting agricultural trade.

The talks covered Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, African Swine Fever regionalization, Lumpy Skin Disease and changes to the European health stamp.

France also signaled support for training Philippine veterinary personnel in biosecurity, transboundary animal disease control, border controls and risk-based inspection.

At the 3rd Philippines-France Agricultural Forum, France shared its experience with CUMA, or agricultural equipment cooperatives, which allow farmers to collectively acquire and use machinery.

The model could offer lessons for Philippine efforts to expand farmers' access to agricultural machinery through equipment sharing and collective investment.

The Forum also tackled machinery standards and post-harvest management, including grain storage, drying, cleaning, pellet production and animal feed.

The Philippine delegation likewise met with the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) to explore possible support for climate-resilient agriculture, research and innovation, geographical indications, organic agriculture, and the marine and blue economy.

The Paris engagements underscored the growing breadth of Philippines-France agricultural cooperation-from trade and technology to research, capacity building and development financing.

Both sides are expected to continue technical discussions to turn the identified areas into concrete projects and activities supporting Philippine agricultural priorities. ### (By DA - OSEC Comms)