Faced with import tariffs, difficult trade policies, production woes and tough competition from other sugar-producing countries, it is indeed a rough road ahead for the Philippine sugar industry.

Yasheng Group, a China-based agricultural company, is expanding its seed segment business scope to include contract R&D seed breeding services, large-scale seed multiplication operations, processing of certifications for import and export, and distribution for international seed companies to access China's seed market. Currently the company produces planting seeds for use within the company and for resale to other growers, as well as edible seeds, seeds for animal feeds, and oils.

For Filipinos, rice is like air and water—they can never live without it. As the country’s most important food commodity, rice accounts for 9 per cent of total domestic household spending as well as one-third of total food consumption. Playing a crucial role in the country’s political stability and national security, it is said that rice is a huge decisive factor for running the country’s national affairs.

Copper fungicides first used against coffee leaf rust (Hemileia vastatrix) on the Indian sub-continent during the 19th century remain the mainstay for control of this most important disease of coffee, now present in all main coffee growing regions of the world.

Carabao mango’s distinct succulent taste puts the country on the international map as having the world’s best mango. If foreigners are asked on what makes their visit to the Philippines memorable, they would only blurt out one word: mangoes.