THE private sector has pressed the government to plow in investments into the agriculture sector to drive economic development. Even though private enterprises pour in the bulk of 95 percent of investments in agriculture, the government only contributes 5 percent to farm output.

The Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc. (Pcafi) has asked presidential candidates to put the agriculture sector as a priority investment venue given its significant contribution to the economy along with its potential to be a springboard for agro-industrial development as agriculture is the natural resource origin of food and beverage and many manufacturing industries.