After a surprising positive performance in the second quarter, the Department of Agriculture is optimistic the farm sector will continue to grow despite the tough challenges brought about by the coronavirus pandemic. The farm industry managed to pull off a 0.5 percent growth in April to June. Agriculture Secretary William Dar said despite the decline in palay prices, the presence of African swine fever, the Taal Volcano eruption, and the COVID-19 pandemic, the DA and its stakeholders made sure there was enough food for Filipinos. The DA will also facilitate the clustering and consolidation of smallholder farmers and fisherfolks for more effective production, processing, and marketing activities, as well as enjoin the private sector to invest in agriculture through industrialization and establishment of agri-aqua industrial business corridors.

Simeon, L. M. (2020, August 7). Gov't sees further growth in agri, fishery industries. The Philippine Star, p. B4.