Philippines and Australia Discuss Expanding Cooperation and Capacity Building

The Philippines and Australia are discussing ways to expand their cooperation and capacity building in critical areas that will yield mutual benefits.

The 6th PAAF reaffirmed the shared commitment to fostering agricultural collaboration, strengthening food security, and promoting innovation and sustainability. I Photo: Canberra PE

According to the Philippine Embassy in Australia, the 6th Philippines-Australia Agriculture Forum (PAAF) recently convened in Canberra and was co-chaired by Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary Asis G. Perez and Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) Deputy Secretary Tina Hutchinson.

Philippine Ambassador to Australia Antonio Morales joined officials from the DA, DAFF, and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) at the forum, the DFA said.

Discussions focused on expanding cooperation and capacity building in key areas such as sanitary and phytosanitary measures, plant and animal biosecurity, herd build-up, disease diagnostics, fisheries collaboration, climate resilience, and sustainable agricultural practices—including soil health and market access.

During the forum, the Philippines emphasized the need for greater access for Philippine agricultural products in the Australian market and highlighted the importance of enhancing the balance and mutual benefits of the trade relationship.

For its part, Australia shared insights on its Agricultural Traceability Strategy, which enables tracking of products from production to consumption to ensure food safety and prompt responses to food incidents.

The Philippine delegation also engaged with officials from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) to discuss market access and trade remedy options.

The delegation also visited Australia’s Post-Entry Quarantine Facility in Victoria to gain further insights into biosecurity measures and quarantine practices.

The 6th PAAF reaffirmed the shared commitment to fostering agricultural collaboration, strengthening food security, and promoting innovation and sustainability—key pillars of the broader economic and trade relations under the Philippines-Australia Strategic Partnership.