British Chamber: UK capable of strengthening agritech in Philippines

(As released) The British Chamber of Commerce Philippines recently held a webinar titled “The Philippines’ Agritech Industry: Opportunities for Growth and Innovation.” The webinar featured representatives from firms and organizations engaged in agritechnology. They shared areas on opportunities for investment in the Philippines’ agritech sector.

During the panel discussion, Dr. Reynaldo Ebora, DOST-PCAARRD’s executive director, shared the existing agritech projects in the Philippines and touched on the specific areas in these projects that are open for partnerships and collaborations. Dr. Ebora further added, “If you’re going to look at the things that are available in the UK and what are available in the Philippines, both parties have some things to offer.”

He noted areas for possible collaboration and partnership can be explored not only with the government but also together with the private sector.

The UK is home to world-class agricultural research facilities, which can account for the country’s keen engagement in agritech. In 2019, the UK agri-food sector contributed a total estimate of £127bn or 6.4 per cent to its national economy. In 2018, UK agritech industry reached a total worth of £14bn and employs over 500,000 people with additional government plans of investments worth £90 million.

On the other hand, FAO Philippines’ National Project Development and Coordination Specialist, Zella Quilla shares their calls for increased adaptation of digital technologies to further improve the agrifood systems. She says, “The use of digital technologies and innovations offer one of the most effective and efficient solution pathways to achieve food systems transformation.” She also touches on more ways to support the Philippines’ agritech sector with compliments to Dr. Ebora and the efforts being done to support the sector. “We’ve heard different examples from the panelists, from Dr. Ebora. We can do something even at the micro and household level and these are the things that we need to start supporting.

he webinar also featured founders of agritech startup firms, one of which is Harvest London’s CEO and Founder Chris Davies, as well as Jairus Ferrer, CEO and Founder of iFarms, an agritech startup from the Philippines.

Along with the BCCP’s goal to support trade and investment between the Philippines and the UK, the Chamber will continue to host informative webinars to provide key details and information for prospecting investors. — As released