DA Aims to Develop 300K Hectares of Palm Oil Plantations

The Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) has set its sights on developing palm oil plantations to boost local production and reduce reliance on imports. According to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., the agency aims to cultivate around 300,000 hectares for palm oil production.

This move is aimed at cutting the country's dependence on imported palm oil, which currently supplies about 90 percent of the country's demand.

The DA requires approximately P1 billion annually over five years to develop the palm oil industry and achieve its goals. The agency also seeks reforms in how the industry is governed, including a dedicated deputy administrator for palm oil and coconut development at the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA).