The Department of Agriculture (DA) eyes to adopt best agricultural practices from South Korea in a scheduled visit in May.

“I want to look at their best practices not only sa (in) production but including how they procure, deliver basic goods or inputs to the farmers,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said in an ambush interview on Monday.

Laurel expressed optimism that the visit would help the administration realize its targets to increase local yield and lower costs for consumers.

“Gusto ko rin makita iyong mga policies nila sa farming (I want to see their farming policies) so we can adopt what may be feasible in our country,” he added.

Laurel also mentioned ongoing efforts for a major collaboration with South Korea.

“Gusto natin mag-invest sila rito ng planta para dito na rin i-assemble at eventually i-manufacture iyong mga equipment na kailangan natin para sa mga farmers (We want them to invest a plant here, wherein assembling and eventually manufacturing of equipment for farmers shall be done),” he said.

Once such investment is realized, more jobs are expected in the country.

Avocado export

Besides this, Laurel said he hopes to expand avocado exportation in Japan, following Hass exports to South Korea.

Hass avocado, a dark green variety that turns to dark purplish-black when ripe, is used in Korea as a salad or sandwich ingredient.

The Korea exportation covers the 2023-2024 Hass avocado season, with supplies sourced from Davao, Bukidnon, and South Cotabato.

In September 2023, the South Korean Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs confirmed the country’s completion of requirements for the entry of the tropical fruit. (PNA)