THE Department of Agriculture (DA) and the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) are seeking to strengthen partnership in enhancing the Philippines' agrifood systems during the high-level ministerial session at the 37th FAO's Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from February 19-22.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and FAO Director General Quo Dongyu discussed plans to enhance rice productivity in the country, involving collaboration with the International Rice Research Institute and local government units in utilizing improved and resilient rice varieties.