DTI Certifies 31 Food Projects Worth PHP18.7 Billion

More affordable food and thousands of new jobs are in the pipeline after the Department of Trade and Industry, through its Board of Investments, granted Green Lane certifications to 31 food security projects as of Monday, June 30.

These projects, representing PHP18.7 billion in investments, are expected to generate more than 7,000 jobs across the Philippines.

From modern breeder farms to a large coconut processing facility, the investments aim to boost local food production and stimulate employment in agriculture and agribusiness.

One coconut processing facility alone is projected to employ 4,725 workers, while a group of breeder farms is expected to create 1,009 jobs.

“Our drive for food security goes hand in hand with creating sustainable jobs for Filipinos,” said Trade Secretary and BOI Chairman Cristina A. Roque.

“This initiative directly addresses President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen local production and lower food costs for Filipino families,” she added.

The 31 projects include 17 breeder farms, eight fattening pig production facilities, a feed mill, a cold storage facility, a greenhouse vegetable production project, an integrated dairy farm, a wean-to-finish farm, and the coconut processing facility.

DTI reported that 17 projects are in the pre-development stage, seven are under construction, six are operational, and one is in pre-operational status.

Since its launch in February 2023, the Green Lane initiative has approved 222 projects with combined investments totaling PHP5.75 trillion.

These projects are forecast to generate more than 319,000 jobs nationwide.

Of the 222 projects, 176 focus on renewable energy, 31 on food security, nine on digital infrastructure and public-private partnerships, and six on manufacturing.

The Green Lane was established to streamline and fast-track strategic investments that align with the country’s sustainable development goals, including energy and food security.