Philippines backs IRRI plan to develop new rice varieties amid climate change in Asean+3 countries

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is backing the proposal of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) to the ASEAN +3 countries to develop new rice varieties amid global climate change.

During the 41st ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry Meeting in Brunei, Agriculture Secretary William Dar said he hopes that Korea, Japan and China can come together and significantly push IRRI’s initiative forward.

 IRRI wants the ASEAN +3 to be involved in the selection and the development of new rice varieties that are resilient to multiple environmental stresses, pest and diseases.

The move is aimed at elevating the production capacity in the region.

“We need to combine these strengths and to have the right rice varieties that can adapt to all potential scenarios and also meet the market readiness and the expectation that in Southeast Asia consumers have particular preferences,” IRRI director general Matthew Morell said.

Morell said IRRI’s proposal is set to build a comprehensive testing and selection that is backed up by training capacity for its national partners.

“We are not just transferring these new varieties but we are doing it with the national partners for them to conduct it themselves,” Morell said.

The Philippines, represented by Dar, will endorse and motion IRRI’s proposal during the ministerial meeting this week.  It hopes to secure strong support from the +3 countries.

The AMAF meeting aims to formulate and implement regional cooperation activities to enhance the international competitiveness of ASEAN’s food, agriculture and forestry products as well as further strengthen the food security arrangement in the region and joint positions in international fora.

ASEAN has implemented numerous cooperation projects in food, agriculture and forestry sectors, which cover a wide spectrum of activities ranging from exchange of information, crop production, postharvest and handling, training and extension, research and development as well as trade promotion in the areas of crops, livestock, fisheries, and forestry.

In order to respond to trade globalization, ASEAN cooperation in food, agriculture and forestry is now more focused on the enhancement of food, agricultural and forestry products competitiveness in international markets, while sustaining agricultural production.

Harmonization of quality and standards, assurance of food safety, and standardization of trade certification are amongst the priorities being addressed, building upon the experience of some member states and existing international standards.