The recently concluded Agrilink, Foodlink, and Aqualink 2024 took place at the World Trade Center from October 3 to 5, showcasing the best of Philippine agriculture to a global audience. This year marked the nearly 30th anniversary of Agrilink, positioning it as the country’s premier international trade exhibition within the agri-food sector.
The event opened with distinguished guests including Congresswoman Camille Villar and Attorney General Genevieve E. Velicaria-Guevarra, Assistant Secretary for Agribusiness, Marketing, Consumer Affairs, and head of the KADIWA Program. They emphasized the vital role of this exhibition in connecting farmers, agripreneurs, and industry leaders, facilitating a rich exchange of insights and strategies aimed at market expansion and collaborative initiatives.
Antonio V. Roces, President of the Foundation for Resource Linkage and Development (FRLD), underscored Agrilink’s significance as a hub for the country’s agricultural sectors, highlighting success stories and fostering cooperation among stakeholders. He reaffirmed the commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and the elevation of the Philippines’ agricultural profile internationally.
Marco Reyes, Agrilink 2024 Chairman, expressed pride in the event’s role in empowering local farmers and agribusinesses, noting its importance in bridging public and private sectors and creating pathways for innovative partnerships and new market opportunities.
Throughout the three days, the event featured an engaging lineup of live displays of animals and plants, local food products, and advanced agricultural technologies. Global exhibitors took advantage of this platform to forge partnerships and showcase innovations in the agriculture sector. A range of seminars, live demonstrations, and forums addressed pressing agricultural trends and challenges.
As the keynote speaker, Atty. Guevarra emphasized the importance of farmers and fishermen as the backbone of the country’s agriculture. She highlighted various initiatives by the Department of Agriculture aimed at enhancing competitiveness, including farm consolidation, modern technology integration, and value-added initiatives.
The Department also showcased four major projects: the Philippines Solar Irrigation Project, the Farm-to-Market Road Development Program, Post-Harvest Facilities and Mechanization, and the Logistics Chain Modernization Program.
Among the highlights was the “Usapang Agribiz” forum, where industry stakeholders discussed crucial aspects shaping the future of agricultural exports, including export documentation, logistics improvements, and the influence of digital transformation.
The Roundtable Discussion featured inspiring stories from Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) awardees, focusing on successful cases in coffee and banana exports and innovative spice production.
With a focus on dialogue and collaboration, Agrilink 2024 aimed to inspire new opportunities and fortify the Philippines’ stature in global agriculture. Participants were encouraged to engage in dialogue to improve food security, stimulate economic growth, and uplift communities nationwide.
As the event concluded, the unwavering dedication to agricultural excellence and sustainable development promises to keep the Philippines shining on the international agricultural stage.
