DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CREATES FOOD SECURITY TASK FORCE

The Department of Agriculture has created a food security task force to monitor disruptions in supply, prices, and trade caused by the energy emergency and geopolitical tensions.

The task force replaces the previous ad hoc system and will provide daily briefings on essential commodities, exports, and imports to Congress and the Office of the President.

It will track shipping route disruptions, especially in the Middle East, which have affected key exports like bananas and pineapples, potentially forcing producers to sell at lower prices.

The DA is coordinating with financial institutions to support exporters facing losses and exploring alternative markets in Africa, Australia, Europe, and Southeast Asia.

The initiative aims to standardize reports, close information gaps, and provide policymakers with timely data to protect both consumers and food producers amid ongoing uncertainties.

Source: PhilNews24 | April 6, 2026