Asean food security alliance to help local farmers – Concepcion

IN an effort to help the government address problems in the agriculture sector, «big brothers» from Southeast Asian countries will band together to assist local farmers, Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion said.

He said that the Asean Business Advisory Council, which he heads, has started the Asean Food Security Alliance — a program meant to help food producers in the country.

«It's a program we launched with the President [Marcos Jr.] a couple of months ago. It also involves Department of Agrarian Reform Secretary [Conrado] Estrella,» Concepcion said.

Go Negosyo founder Jose Ma. Concepcion III. PHOTO: MIKE ALQUINTO

The former presidential adviser explained that through the program, idle government lands will be leased to companies from around the region — countries such as Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Cambodia — who, in turn, will utilize the skills of local farmers.

«So, the big brothers will become the mentors. A mentor is needed because the smaller farmers are having a harder time because they till only a small piece of land. The mentors, the big brothers, have advanced technology — very high level.

So, that will be a big help for their farm produce, whether it's rice, durian, corn, etc.,» Concepcion said.

Advertisement

«That's our plan and that's supported by President Marcos. He knows agriculture is our biggest challenge. We're forming these 10 countries to come together and help in ensuring that within these countries, everyone will progress in agriculture,» he added.

Concepcion clarified that government lands would not be sold but would be leased long-term to foreign investors or the private sector to provide employment for local farmers.

«How we planned it, big agriculture companies will invest in the local ones. There's a partnership. In other words, the big farming firms overseas will be encouraged to partner with [their] local counterparts. I'm not pushing that these huge agri firms overseas will have direct access to the land unless there is a specific agricultural product that may require that,» he said.

«So, we're starting this, hopefully, when we host the Asean in 2026. The Asean food security alliance will be functioning as one focus group