DA seeks faster approval of long-pending agri laws

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is urging Congress to fast-track the passage of long-pending agricultural reform measures to address structural bottlenecks and revive growth in the farm sector.

- By CHRISTINE BOTON

In a statement on Thursday, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said outdated laws governing key agriculture agencies have slowed decision-making and weakened the sector's ability to respond to market conditions, prompting the need for urgent legislative action.

Tiu Laurel said Congress has already passed the Animal Industry and Competitiveness Act, which aims to modernize the livestock, poultry and aquaculture industries and provide P20 billion in annual funding over 10 years.

He added that proposed amendments to the Bureau of Plant Industry law are nearing completion to streamline operations, improve accountability and reduce regulatory delays.