The Department of Agriculture (DA) has announced plans to expand the export of Philippine agricultural products to Italy, driven by increasing demand from the European country. This initiative follows a meeting between DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and Italian Minister of Agriculture Francesco Lollobrigida on World Food Day, October 16, 2024.
Laurel highlighted that the demand for Filipino products in Italy is largely influenced by the presence of over 200,000 Filipinos in the country. Key export products being considered include tuna, pineapples, frozen fish, carrageenan, and desiccated coconut.
In 2023, Philippine agricultural exports to Italy amounted to $129 million, with crude coconut oil leading the shipments. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from the Philippines have also made strides in promoting local food products in Italy, thanks in part to the efforts of the Filipino community and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce in Italy.
The two countries are also drafting a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to promote agricultural modernization in the Philippines, focusing on Italy’s expertise in agricultural machinery and water management. Lollobrigida has also invited skilled Filipino fishermen to contribute to Italy’s fishing industry.
