Agriculture Secretary Dar Keen on Expanding Agri Exports to Germany

Agriculture Secretary William Dar explores the expansion of agricultural export products, particularly coconut products, to Germany.  In a virtual meeting earlier this month with German Ambassador to the Philippines Anke Reiffenstuel, Dar discussed agricultural cooperation and trade between the Philippines and Germany on the latter’s food import situation.

“Balance of trade is in favor of the Philippines, with tuna, banana chips, pineapples and desiccated coconut as the Philippines’ top four agricultural products exports to Germany,” Dar said.  He encouraged Germany to expand its importation of Philippine agricultural products, specifically mentioning coco sugar, ready-to-drink coco milk, coco water, and organic extra virgin coconut oil.  Apart from coconut products and by-products, the DA chief also mentioned heirloom rice, pili oil (for cosmetic use), pili nut, pineapple concentrate, and cashew nuts as potential export champions.