The Department of Agriculture took part in the Business Mission of Russian companies, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation and Agroexport Center, which recently concluded in Manila on June 21, 2023.

The event aimed to foster collaboration and explore potential business opportunities between the two countries.

The DA’s participation in the mission is expected to pave the way for more partnerships and initiatives that will benefit the Philippine agriculture industry.

DA Undersecretary Agnes Catherine T. Miranda represented the Department and conveyed her appreciation to the Russian Federation for their ongoing bilateral trade with the Philippines. She highlighted that Philippine agriculture exports to Russia have grown by 26 percent from 2018 to 2021.

The opening ceremony was followed by a tour of the booths belonging to 15 agribusiness companies mainly involved in industries such as poultry products, dairy, pork, wheat, grain, and tea, among others.

The main event was the plenary session “Russia-Philippines: prospects for the development of cooperation in the field of agriculture,” wherein Undersecretary Miranda and Bureau of Animal Industry Director and Philippine Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Paul C. Limson delivered the prospects for mutual trade between the two countries.

The spotlight was on the emerging agricultural products of the Philippines, including pili, calamari, carrageenan, and coconut abaca. Undersecretary Miranda mentioned that there are excellent capital investment opportunities in cold storage and processing facilities for fresh and value-added farm products throughout the islands.

Director Paul Limson presented the Philippine guidelines for ensuring food and animal health safety during accreditation procedures for exporting meat and meat products to the country.

Top agriculture exports to Russia are desiccated coconuts, carrageenan, banana chips, coconut milk, and Cavendish banana. ###(DA-IAD)