Undeniably, the last two years brought unprecedented challenges as the pandemic dragged several economic activities in negative territory. For the agriculture sector, the outbreak of the pandemic raised awareness on the importance of having a sustainable and stable food system as disruptions in the food supply chain arose.

Due to the challenges posed by the pandemic along with natural calamities and biosecurity threats, it was reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority that the gross domestic product of the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector contracted to PHP1.780 million in 2020 from PHP1.783 million the year prior. However, the 2020 figure is still higher in comparison to the reported output in 2018 at PHP1.762 million. In spite of the unprecedented challenges that the agriculture sector faces, it remains to be one of the major economic sectors of the Philippines and continues to play a central role in the country's economy. In fact, many organizations including the World Bank have expressed the important role that the sector will play in expediting the country's recovery and reducing poverty, particularly in the rural areas.

The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) recognizes the vital role that the agriculture sector plays in rebooting the Philippine economy. Likewise, the ECCP reaffirms its commitment to be a strong ally of the government in its pursuit of a food-secure and resilient Philippines with strengthened and prosperous agricultural and fishery systems. It is in this context that the ECCP is organizing the fifth run of its Sustainable Agriculture Forum (SAF), with the aim of providing a platform for the private and public sector to come together and discuss possible solutions and strategies to overcome the challenges brought by the pandemic and to achieve a highly resilient and sustainable agriculture sector.

The first day of the forum, scheduled on 24 March 2022 at 9AM, will feature discussions on the state of food security and nutrition in the country, impact of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership to the Philippine agriculture sector, and the importance of Public-Private Partnership to the growth of the sector. The webinar will also showcase private sector initiatives in support of the government's thrust of achieving sustainable food systems by 2030.