Agriculture continues to register dismal growth because domestic producers and farmers are not being given enough support.
THE importation policies that the government has been promoting actually harm local producers.
This is why agricultural leaders from 15 organizations had organized a forum where farmers, livestock raisers, and fishers can gather online and air out their grievances against the Department of Agriculture (DA).
The event was organized by the Integrated Rural Development Foundation (IRDF) and the National Movement for Food Sovereignty.
“This is the first time that all sectors are suffering within a single administration,” said Bong Inciong, president of the United Broilers Raisers Association.
“I have nothing personal against Secretary [William] Dar but he is the most submissive secretary of agriculture vis a vis our economic managers.”
Pablo Rosales, head of Progresibong Alyansa ng mga Mangingisda, then called out the government for implementing weak foreign policies to protect the West Philippine Sea.
For small-scale fisherfolk, they feel like they are left to fend for their own rights and livelihoods.
“If these policies remain the status quo, local agricultural output will suffer,” said Arze Glipo, executive director of IRDF.
“Agriculture continues to register dismal growth because domestic producers are not given enough support.”
Prioritizing imports over local resources will harm the national economy and the overall livelihood of these agriculturalists. (EFO)
Tags: #agriculture, #importation, #DepartmentOfAgriculture, #IntegratedRuralDevelopmentFoundation