AGRI COOPERATION. Department of Agriculture-Sugar Regulatory Administration (DA-SRA) officials meet with the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC) and the Embassy of Brazil officials during the latter’s visit to the DA main office in Quezon City on Tuesday (Aug. 29, 2023). The two sides discussed a possible partnership for the development of sugar and ethanol industries. (Photo courtesy of DA)

MANILA – The Philippines and Brazil are now in talks regarding the possible development of sugar and ethanol industries, the Department of Agriculture (DA) reported on Wednesday.

In a statement, the DA said this is among the areas of cooperation between its officials and the delegates from the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC) and the Embassy of Brazil in Manila during their visit to the DA on Tuesday.

Engr. Laverne Olalia, Research Development and Extension Department Manager of the DA-Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), said the Philippines can also learn from Brazil’s best practices on soil development and management, mealing practices, and farm technologies to improve local production.

As one of the leading countries in sugarcane and ethanol production, Brazil offered academic programs related to the sugarcane industry and incorporating ethanol into its national energy grid.

He added that based on the SRA’s observations during its visit to São Paulo last January, Brazil’s best practices and innovations can be adapted to the Philippine setting.

Meanwhile, the Brazilian delegates recommended bringing in a team of experts to the country to facilitate knowledge-sharing initiatives geared towards the expansion of sugarcane plantations, and the promotion of farm efficiency.

They also recommended enhancing meal conversion, improving production chains, and lowering production costs.

On the other hand, DA Assistant Secretary for Policy Research and Development Noel Padre and ABC Technical Cooperation with Africa, Asia, and Oceania Manager Antonio Junqueira assured to strengthen the forged partnership for the benefit of the sugarcane and ethanol industry players.

Also present during the visit were DA Assistant Secretary for Regulations Paz Benavidez II and Dr. Octavio Valsechi, an Agroindustrial Technology professor at Federal University of São Carlos. (PNA)