Australia’s Commission for International Agricultural Research (Commission) visited the Philippines in May 2024 to discuss research priorities and explore opportunities for further Australia-Philippines collaboration in the agriculture, aquatic and natural resources sector.
The Commission comprises 7 leading experts from Australia who provide advice on international agricultural research and development issues to Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs.
During the visit, Commissioners met with high level officials and farming communities to understand the impact of ACIAR’s work in the Philippines, highlighting over 40 years of partnership in international agricultural research for development.
Commissioner Dr Beth Woods said that food insecurity remains a significant issue in the Philippines, with greater investment in agricultural research partnerships needed to help modernise agrifood systems.
‘Food insecurity continues to be a substantial problem for the poorest and most vulnerable in the Philippines. The local economy is still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, and recent natural disasters, like typhoons, along with ongoing biosecurity challenges have made food production increasingly challenging, especially for smallholder farming communities,’ said Dr Woods.
‘Modernising the country’s agrifood systems to boost production and become more resilient to the impacts of climate change is a key priority for the Government of the Philippines. For this to happen, there needs to be more significant investment in agricultural research that will provide innovations and science-based approaches to intensify food systems sustainably.
‘Australia has a tremendous opportunity to further its agricultural science partnership with the Philippines to contribute to this strategic goal.’
Source: ACIAR: https://www.aciar.gov.au/…/commission-international…
