The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has entered into a partnership to further increase agricultural exports and open an Agri-Export Helpdesk in 2025.

“Combining the resources and expertise of both agencies will unlock the full potential of Philippine agriculture,” DA Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr. said in a statement Monday.

Under the agreement, both agencies seek to bolster trade promotion, investment, support to small and medium enterprises, and actions addressing challenges on market access and tariffs.

These aim to cover major commodities for exports including bananas, mangoes, and seaweed, as well as high-value crops like coffee and cacao.

“This partnership is a step toward a prosperous and sustainable agricultural sector,” Tiu Laurel said.

The Agri-Export Helpdesk, meanwhile, will handle export-related concerns and improve government and private sector collaboration through commodity councils starting in January.

Among the private stakeholders are the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. and the Philippine Food Processors and Exporters Organization Inc.

Overall, the DA and DTI aim to boost the country’s capacity to lead the global food export industry.

In September, agricultural exports hit USD492.6 million, or 8 percent of the country’s total exports based on the report of the Philippine Statistics Authority. (PNA)