By Tribune

Agriculture Partnership Expands With New Trade Opportunities

The Philippines is intensifying agricultural engagement with Türkiye, aiming to broaden poultry, seafood, and tropical product exports while advancing its capacity for Halal-certified feed production.

A recent dialogue between the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Turkish Embassy emphasized food security, market access, and fresh avenues for Philippine high-value commodities.

Philippine Export Growth Creates Stronger Trade Position

Shipments to Türkiye have climbed sharply—from USD 16.8 million in 2021 to USD 42.2 million in 2024.

During the first half of 2025, the Philippines recorded a USD 16.0 million surplus, supported by coconut oil, desiccated coconut, carrageenan, tobacco, plus protein concentrates.

Officials are now preparing to push bananas, pineapples, tuna, as well as niche fruits like avocados, durian, papaya, and dragon fruit into Türkiye’s premium retail and foodservice segments.

High-Level Delegations Shape New Cooperation Plans

The discussions gathered Agriculture Undersecretary for Livestock Constante Palabrica, Undersecretary for Mindanao BARMM Concerns Zamzamin L. Ampatuan, along with senior leaders from the Bureau of Animal Industry, National Meat Inspection Service, Bureau of Plant Industry, and other DA units. Türkiye’s delegation was headed by Ambassador Niyazi Akyol.

Philippines Positions Itself as a Halal Feed Hub

The Philippines aims to emerge as a regional center for Halal-certified feed by combining domestic corn supply with Türkiye’s advanced feed-formulation expertise.

Turkish officials highlighted that their feed uses zero animal by-products and introduced the Waqf fund model, an Islamic social finance mechanism designed to channel agricultural investments into community benefits.

Ampatuan expressed full support, encouraging Turkish participation in the upcoming November Halal Expo and promoting direct investment in Philippine Halal feed initiatives.

Poultry Collaboration Strengthens Technical Confidence

Philippine representatives stressed the country’s stringent biosecurity measures and strong regulatory systems, key elements that reinforce its credibility in poultry trade.

The meeting also revisited ongoing cooperation with the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), including truck donations to Sorsogon farmer groups, many of which involve women’s and indigenous communities.

Plans for joint training, agricultural scholarships, sustainability research, and climate-resilient farming projects were included in future collaboration areas.

Complementary Strengths Create a Stronger Agri-Trade Foundation

The session highlighted the distinct advantages of each country: Türkiye offers Halal system expertise, poultry know-how, plus innovative agricultural finance, while the Philippines brings competitive tropical fruit production, robust fisheries, and a growing feed sector.

Both sides agreed that these complementarities can shape a more dynamic agri-trade partnership built on shared standards, strategic investment, and sustainable long-term growth.

Original Article:

The Tribune. (2025). Philippines, Türkiye strengthen agri trade and halal ties. The Tribune. https://tribune.net.ph/amp/story/2025/11/08/philippines-türkiye-strengthen-agri-trade-and-halal-ties