CropLife: Strong partner in countryside dev’t

The Department of Agriculture supports the adoption and promotion of appropriate farm inputs and modern technologies, as these offer farmers and fishers viable options to raise their productivity and incomes.

Thus said Agriculture Secretary Luis P. Lorenzo, Jr. during the recent induction of the 2004 officers and directors of CropLife Philippines – an association of companies involved in the manufacture and distribution of agricultural chemicals, and promotion of biotechnology and environmental science.

We expect CropLife to continue assisting more Filipino farmers, fishers, and ruralfolk in their farm and fishery operations, thus serving as one of the DA’s strong allies in countryside development, noted Secretary Lorenzo, who was represented by DA Undersecretary Cesar M. Drilon during the affair.

Founded in 1967 as the Agricultural Pesticide Institute of the Philippines (APIP), CropLife has evolved to become a reliable and staunch partner of the country’s agriculture sector. In July last year, it underwent reorganization to reflect greater focus on farm chemicals, biotechnology, and environmental science, forming a committee for each.

The chemicals committee addresses issues and implements programs relating to agrochemical R&D; the environmental science committee covers issues related to the responsible use and handling of chemicals, non-crop uses, public health and rodent control; and the committee on biotechnology coordinates with the DA and other agencies, scientists, academe, private sector and farmers’ groups to promote the benefits of biotech products and innovations.

The 2004 CropLife officers is headed by Jet Marcial Parma of Dupont Far East Inc. as president. The other officers include Joseph Reynolds, Edgar Juan Surtida III, Rosalino Rondon, Simon K. Teo, Francisco Dizon III, and Bernard Canapi. Secretary Lorenzo enjoined them, along with former officers and members, to continue their programs for the benefit of farmers and their families, and the agriculture sector, in general.

CropLife Philippines is a member of CropLife Asia, based in Bangkok, Thailand, whose core membership includes seven major international agricultural R&D companies and 14 national associations, including the Philippines, with over 350 member-companies.