by: The Manila Times
THE highly anticipated Agrilink, Foodlink, and Aqualink 2024, held from October 3 to 5, highlighted the best of Philippine agriculture.
As the country’s premier international trade exhibition on agriculture, food, aquaculture and agribusiness, Agrilink aimed to bring together farmers, “agripreneurs” and industry leaders for knowledge exchange, market expansion and collaboration.
Various stakeholders from the public sector such as the Department of Agriculture, private enterprises and diplomatic corps from other countries joined the opening program on October 3.
Agrilink had been a vital platform in Philippine agriculture for nearly 30 years, connecting private enterprises, government agencies and global partners.
This year’s theme, “The best of Philippine agriculture to the world,” emphasized the country’s ambition to showcase its top agricultural exports, focusing on their contributions to both local livelihoods and international trade.
The event highlighted interconnectedness in the supply chain, value-adding and marketing efforts to demonstrate how the Philippines meets international standards through sustainable practices.
The event underscored the significance of efficiency in the supply chain, sustainable agricultural practices and robustness in value-adding as demonstrated by the country’s top agricultural exports — coconut, banana, pineapple, abaca, tuna and seaweed.
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Antonio Roces, president of the Foundation for Resource Linkage and Development, the main organizer of Agrilink, said, “Agrilink is more than just an exhibition; it’s a convergence of the country’s leading agricultural sectors, highlighting success stories and fostering collaboration between farmers, industry experts and government officials. By showcasing key crops and diving into discussions around sustainable farming and market expansion, Agrilink underscores our commitment to positioning the Philippines as a top player in global agriculture.”
Marco Reyes, Agrilink 2024 chairman and United Coconut Association of the Philippines vice chairman, added, “I am honored to be part of this prestigious event, which serves as a platform where the public and private sectors unite to propel Philippine agriculture to greater heights. Events like Agrilink empower our farmers, fisherfolk and agripreneurs by connecting them to resources, new markets and innovative technologies. I look forward to exploring how other agricultural crops fit into the country’s various sectors as well as discussing common challenges in Philippine agriculture. Agrilink 2024 is set to inspire new opportunities and boost our global competitiveness.”
Agrilink 2024 featured live animal and plant displays, food products and the latest in agricultural technologies. It also hosted seminars led by industry experts, live demonstrations and forums to discuss key agricultural trends and challenges.
The event provided a venue for exhibitors from around the globe to showcase their products, technologies and innovations, offering visitors a chance to network with potential partners and explore new markets.