DA eyes hefty sales from international food fairs

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is eyeing at least $121.61 million in sales and orders from the Philippines’ participation in at least 19 international and local trade events and food fairs this year.

The DA said it is allocating P19 million to fund the Philippines’ participation in the food fairs and events, part of initiatives to find new markets for local farm produce.

Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap said the DA’s Export Development Team led by Undersecretary Berna Romulo Puyat is targeting to boost sales and orders from the country’s participation.

The Export Development Team helps local farm producers and exporters tap foreign market opportunities.

The DA team also holds regular consultation meetings with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the private sector to keep track of export-related issues and concerns to execute the appropriate actions necessary.

Complementing its task are the country’s agricultural trade desks manned by Trade Desk Officers (TDOs) who help inform local farm producers and exporters of existing and emerging overseas markets for their produce.

Yap said the DA is targeting at least $111.61 million from recent international events, particularly the Boston Seafood Show in the United States and the Gulfood Show in Dubai.

Upcoming food fairs are the Foodex Japan in Chiba and the Food and Hotel Asia 2008 in Singapore in April; Seoul Food Korea; SIAL China in Shanghai; World of Foods Thailand (Thaifex) in Bangkok in May; Taipei Food Show in Taiwan; Water Expo (Expo Zaragoza) in Spain in June; Hong Kong Food Expo in August; World of Foods Moscow in September; SIAL France in Paris and the 5th China ASEAN Expo in Nanning City, Guangxi Province in October.