Iran peace deal seen facilitating PHL farm exports to Middle East

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said the peace agreement between the US and Iran will allow the flow of Philippine agriculture exports to the Middle East to resume.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. said the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz will pave the way for the resumption of exports to the region of fresh pineapple, Cavendish bananas, canned tuna, sardines, coconut products and snack foods.

He also noted the potential for reduced farming costs, which would allow the DA to focus its resources on mitigating the impact of El Niño this year.

“The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz will greatly help reduce the cost of inputs in the production and transport of agricultural commodities, especially now as we prepare for a new rice planting season,” Mr. Laurel said in a statement.

The closure of the strait reduced the global supply of fertilizer, apart from making fuel more scarce and expensive, raising costs for farmers needing to irrigate their crops and transport their goods.

The peace deal “restores a vital trade artery, eases pressure on food producers, and allows policymakers to focus on the next major challenge on the horizon: safeguarding food supply against El Niño,” the DA added. — Marron Joshua F. Mendoza