Department of Agriculture Secretary William Dar recently met with the members of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) to present his plans for the agency and seek more investments from other countries.

ECCP is a bilateral foreign chamber that promotes European interests in the Philippines and vice versa. It offers a strong business network that holds great potential in translating to tangible business opportunities. It is a unique organization that offers membership as well as professional business services to members and clients.

Dar urged Belgium Ambassador Michel Goffin to invest in establishing solar-powered irrigation systems similar to what Israel did.

“If you can bring in the same investment as the Israelis you are most welcome. The $200-million investment that we just concluded is not enough if we need to cover the countryside. We still have a big space for the company from Belgium,” he said.

Secretary Dar presented to the ECCP the food safety measures being undertaken by the DA, epecially the banning of pork and pork products from countries infected by African Swine Fever(ASF).

He said all the meat products that reach the markets are safe and going through a proper documentation and processing. Recently, the prices of pork have gone back to normal which should help local hog raisers recover their loses due from ASF.

Also, the DA secretary mentioned inclusive agribusiness, which is the core of the “new thinking” for agriculture. While Crop Diversification Program as DA’s strategy to help farmers reduce their dependence on a single crop such as rice.

By Faith Decena

Source: mnltoday.ph