Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Laura del Rosario has expressed concerns about the apparent lack of interest for agriculture among the younger generation in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member countries.
“This is a challenge for APEC member-countries as there is a huge demand for food security,” said del Rosario during a press conference here Tuesday during the ongoing 2015 APEC Second Senior Officials Meeting being held here.
The DFA undersecretary said APEC member countries must be keen in getting the youth to take part in agriculture or agricultural research that can help address the rising demand for food security in the region.
Del Rosario cited the role of the Filipino youth, particularly those participating in scientific research conducted by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to benefit the agriculture sector.
One of the other concerns discussed during the APEC Second Senior Officials Meeting was the role of innovation and regulation in the agricultural sector.
“Adding value in the food supply chain is made possible through increased raw product value while minimizing food waste,” said Dr. Ian Ferguson, Departmental Science Advisor of the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries.
Ferguson, however, particularly pointed out that innovation is commonly in conflict with regulation with the latter failing to keep up with the introduction of modern agricultural techniques.
Aside from food sustainability, the APEC Second Senior Officials Meeting held on Boracay Island also highlighted the vital role of modern and efficient supply chain for businesses that seek access to regional and global markets.
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