Agriculture and forestry ministers from Southeast Asia and key partner countries have convened in Manila this week to confront the twin challenges of food security and climate change against a backdrop of global market volatility and geopolitical tensions.
The Philippines, through the Department of Agriculture (DA), is hosting the 47th Meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF) and related events from September 29 to October 3 in Pasay City. The last time the Philippines hosted AMAF was in 2015 in Makati City.
Chaired by Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., the five-day gathering will bring together top policymakers from all 10 ASEAN member-states, as well as ministers from China, Japan, and South Korea, for a series of high-level dialogues on food, agriculture, and forestry.
“We anticipate a meaningful and productive gathering, particularly as AMAF works to craft a new roadmap that will shape agricultural and forestry policies across the region for the next decade. This effort aligns with ASEAN’s broader vision of becoming a single market and production base,” Secretary Tiu Laurel said in a news release.
The meeting takes place as global supply chains remain disrupted by conflict, climate shocks, and rising protectionism. Southeast Asia, home to both major food exporters and import-dependent economies, is seeking to insulate its populations from price spikes and shortages.
At the center of the agenda are measures to strengthen regional food security, boost intra-ASEAN agricultural trade, and advance technology transfer to increase productivity.
Ministers are also expected to discuss strategies to support rural communities, attract private sector investment, and harmonize sustainability initiatives in agriculture and forestry.
Beyond ASEAN: Plus Three and Japan sessions
The Philippines will also preside over the 25th AMAF Plus Three Meeting with China, Japan, and South Korea, as well as the 2nd ASEAN-Japan Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry Meeting (AJMAF). These sessions aim to deepen regional integration and cooperation with dialogue partners on shared challenges such as food safety standards, trade facilitation, and resilience to climate extremes.
Timor-Leste, which was accepted “in principle” as an ASEAN member in 2022, is expected to participate, along with representatives from dialogue partners and international stakeholders.
Climate change is set to be a key focus, given Southeast Asia’s vulnerability to rising sea levels, stronger typhoons, droughts, and other climate-induced disruptions.
The ministers are expected to push for stronger sustainable natural resource management and conservation measures, while reinforcing ASEAN’s role as a unified voice in global climate and trade negotiations.
As the recognized highest decision-making body on agriculture and forestry in the region, AMAF’s decisions will help shape policies that affect the livelihoods of hundreds of millions across Southeast Asia—ensuring that food remains not just available, but also affordable and sustainable.