The Philippines and Japan are preparing to elevate their long-standing agricultural partnership ahead of the scheduled state visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to Japan later this month, with both countries positioning their respective strengths to build a more modern, climate-resilient, and technology-driven food system.
During a high-level meeting on Monday (May 4, 2026), Japanese Ambassador Kazuya Endo paid a courtesy call on Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. to begin discussions on key deliverables expected during the President’s visit.
At the center of the talks is the planned amendment of the Philippines-Japan Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) on agriculture — a move seen as broadening the partnership beyond traditional farming into fisheries, climate cooperation, smart agriculture, and advanced food technologies.
The expanded agreement reflects how both countries increasingly see agriculture and fisheries not only as economic sectors, but also as strategic pillars for food security, sustainability, and regional resilience amid growing climate and geopolitical uncertainties.
For the Philippines, the upgraded partnership could open wider access to Japanese technology, innovation, and investments aimed at modernizing local agriculture. Japan is expected to bring expertise in smart farming, precision agriculture, digital systems, and sustainable food production technologies that could help improve productivity and efficiency in the Philippine countryside.
Japan also remains one of the Philippines’ most important agricultural trading partners and development allies, particularly in infrastructure, irrigation, logistics, and rural modernization.
Meanwhile, the Philippines offers Japan a reliable agricultural partner with strong production potential in tropical and high-value crops, fisheries, and emerging sustainable agriculture initiatives. Manila is also seeking expanded market opportunities for key exports, including fresh bananas and pomelos.
The amended agreement is also expected to formally establish a Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries, a mechanism designed to institutionalize long-term cooperation and ensure sustained dialogue between both governments.
“This visit underlines the strength and continuity of our partnership with Japan, especially as we pursue shared goals in food security, sustainability, and innovation,” Tiu Laurel said.
“It also provides an opportunity to align our priorities and accelerate initiatives that will directly benefit Filipino farmers and fisherfolk.”
The revised MOC is expected to be finalized and signed during President Marcos’ visit to Japan, signaling a broader strategic shift in bilateral agricultural relations.
Beyond trade and technology, both countries are also exploring deeper cooperation on climate-smart agriculture.
Among the initiatives discussed was the Philippines’ push to adopt Alternate Wetting and Drying in rice farming, a water-saving technique that reduces methane emissions and could potentially generate carbon credits under the Joint Crediting Mechanism with Japan.
Officials also discussed collaboration in fertilizer production, including biofertilizers and precision agriculture technologies aimed at lowering production costs and improving farm efficiency.
Trade concerns were likewise tackled during the meeting, including the Philippines’ request for lower tariffs on fresh bananas entering Japan, as well as ongoing technical assessments involving market access for Philippine pomelos and Japanese grapes.
The Philippines also highlighted its planned participation in the Green X EXPO 2027 in Japan, where Manila hopes to showcase its high-value crops, sustainable agriculture initiatives, and investment opportunities to a global audience.
Both sides are also preparing for the second Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries meeting, which Japan will host in early July as part of continuing efforts to deepen cooperation in the sector.