Department of Agriculture (DA) logo with rice and some high-value crops. INQUIRER FILES
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is establishing the Agricultural and Fisheries Logistics Office (AFLO), which will be tasked with developing long-term plans to lower retail prices while reducing post-harvest losses.
The DA ordered the creation of the AFLO via Department Order No. 1, which will address critical challenges in the sector such as post-harvest losses, elevated market prices and farm-to-market inefficiencies.
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FEATURED STORIES BUSINESS BSP eyes PH shift to coin-lite society BUSINESS BIZ BUZZ: IMF called out, again BUSINESS UAE’s Masdar commits $15-B investment in PH renewable projectsAccording to the DA, this office will integrate logistics operations within the agency to oversee and streamline the movement of agricultural commodities.
“It will also implement a logistics coordination and monitoring system to enable real-time tracking, enhance transparency, and ensure traceability throughout the supply chain, effectively addressing issues such as smuggling and other logistical inefficiencies within the sector,” the Jan. 15 order said.
Article continues after this advertisementThe AFLO will create a strategic plan to implement logistical strategies aimed at attaining national food security by optimizing agricultural supply chains, reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing market linkages.
Article continues after this advertisementAll these will be spelled out in the Agri-Fisheries Logistics Program Plan, which includes policies, technologies, smart logistics using artificial intelligence (Al) tools and machines to maximize supply chains.
Article continues after this advertisementThe office is responsible for overseeing the construction and maintenance of cold storage warehouses, food hubs, distribution centers and other key facilities to improve the accessibility of consumers to affordable food items.
It will also promote investments in various facilities, such as cold storage facilities, warehouses, processing plants, terminals, and port development, to strengthen the food supply chain.
WASHINGTON – The United States on Friday reported a budget deficit of $1.8 trillion for the past year, widening from 2023’s level on greater spending, including for interest on the public debt.
Authorities have since last month unveiled a raft of measures to kickstart sluggish consumption and address a prolonged and debilitating debt crisis in the country’s colossal property sector.
Article continues after this advertisementThe AFLO will monitor all logistics-related activities to ensure their alignment with the agency’s strategic goals and efficient implementation of relevant projects and programs.
It will provide comprehensive guidelines and support to streamline the process of issuing permits and licenses required for storing and transporting agricultural products.
Aside from beefing up anti-smuggling measures, the AFLO should come up with quality control measures to maintain product integrity and safety during transportation and storage.
Furthermore, the office will design an emergency response to resolve supply chain disruptions caused by natural disasters, pandemics or other crises.
bso88 slotThe AFLO will facilitate the collaboration and linkages between the DA, relevant stakeholders and other concerned government bodies to ensure seamless logistics operations across the sector.
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“This role is crucial in promoting public-private partnershipspwbet gaming, which are essential for identifying and implementing appropriate interventions in strategic locations,” it added
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