DA, DOT partner to promote 'farm tourism'

The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Tourism (DOT) are partnering to promote "food and farm tourism" in the country.

The DA said its partnership with the DOT was meant to draw more foreign visitors, boost domestic travel, and advance President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s agenda of revitalizing rural economies and generating countryside jobs.

“This proposal of the Department of Tourism is exactly what we’ve been looking for—low-hanging fruits and quick wins,” said Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. in a statement released on Saturday.

The Agriculture chief said funding is available for a range of initiatives—including organic farming, livestock production, mariculture, and aquaculture—as well as infrastructure projects such as farm-to-market roads, cold storage facilities, ice plants, and greenhouses.

“We also have a budget for rehabilitating the Banaue Rice Terraces,” said Tiu Laurel, adding, “just tell us where it’s needed, so we can help restore their beauty and allow more tourists to appreciate them.”

For her part, Frasco outlined four key pillars of collaboration: gastronomy tourism development, farm tourism expansion, infrastructure and connectivity improvements, and strengthening local supply chains.

To turn vision into action, the two agencies have formed a technical working group tasked with developing a detailed roadmap within six months.

The plan will focus on pilot areas such as Bohol, Iloilo, and Benguet—provinces rich in culinary heritage, cultural attractions, and agricultural production. It will also lay out strategies for market rollout, farm-to-market access, and complementary infrastructure.

Agriculture and tourism each contribute nearly 10% to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and, when combined, account for around 30% of total employment, according to the DA. —VAL, GMA Integrated News