ASEAN Ministers Commit to Strengthening Regional Agricultural Cooperation and Resilience

Image: DA Press Office / photo by DA-AFID

At the 47th ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF) Meeting held on October 2, regional leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepen trade cooperation, strengthen food systems, and promote sustainable agricultural development across Southeast Asia.

Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., who chaired this year’s AMAF, emphasized the shared goal among ASEAN Member States (AMS) to enhance regional supply chains, integrate climate-smart practices, and build more resilient food production systems.

“This meeting strengthens ties among ASEAN countries. In times of market disruptions or emergencies, we can depend on one another to stabilize the prices of agricultural goods and ensure market balance,” Secretary Tiu Laurel said during a press briefing.

Focus on Sustainability and Innovation

The ministers reached a consensus to prioritize sustainable land and water management as a cornerstone of ASEAN’s agricultural agenda. Secretary Tiu Laurel underlined that adopting environmentally sound practices will not only sustain productivity but also protect critical ecosystems vital to long-term food security.

In line with the region’s push toward innovation, the ministers also agreed to advance digital and smart agriculture technologies to increase efficiency and food output. As part of the Philippines’ chairmanship, Secretary Tiu Laurel announced two major initiatives that will guide regional collaboration through 2026 and beyond:

• The ASEAN Implementation Plan for Regenerative and Resilient Agriculture Systems, recognized as a Priority Economic Deliverable (PED); and

• The ASEAN One Billion Trees Growing Programme Initiative, designated as an AMAF Key Annual Priority.

ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation

Beyond intra-ASEAN collaboration, the ASEAN Plus Three (China, Japan, and South Korea) reaffirmed their commitment to nine strategic areas of cooperation. These include:

• Strengthening food security and emergency reserves, such as the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR);

• Promoting biomass energy development;

• Advancing sustainable forest management;

• Enhancing climate change mitigation and adaptation measures;

• Improving animal disease and plant pest management;

• Expanding capacity-building and human resource development;

• Boosting productivity, quality, and marketability of agricultural products through technology transfer;

• Deepening information exchange and knowledge networks; and

• Reinforcing research and development (R&D) partnerships.

Welcoming Timor-Leste’s Participation

A notable highlight of the meeting was the discussion on Timor-Leste’s prospective full membership in ASEAN. Secretary Tiu Laurel welcomed the move, expressing optimism that Timor-Leste’s inclusion will further strengthen regional agricultural cooperation.

He noted that the Philippines stands ready to support Timor-Leste through capacity-building programs, research collaboration, and technical assistance in developing its livestock sector.

The 47th AMAF meeting concluded with a shared vision: to position ASEAN as a model of sustainable, resilient, and inclusive agricultural development, ensuring food security and prosperity for the region’s 680 million people.