Manila: The Philippines and France have agreed to enhance their collaboration in the dairy sector, as announced by the Department of Agriculture (DA). The announcement highlighted the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the National Dairy Authority (NDA) and France-based Phylum SARL to conduct a feasibility study for the Philippine Dairy Project.

According to Philippines News Agency, the feasibility study will be funded through a grant from the French government's Fonds d'Etudes et d'Aide au Secteur Prive. This study aims to determine if the project qualifies for a concessional loan from the French government. The Philippine Dairy Project plans to establish a modern dairy farm in Ubay, Bohol, capable of housing over 300 cows for milk production.

The envisioned dairy farm will include a facility with the capacity to process up to 10 metric tons of raw milk daily. The project also aims to collaborate with local cooperatives for milk and fodder production and engage in capacity-building efforts to enhance training and advisory services, as stated by the DA.

The agreement is expected to facilitate the establishment of milk collection centers and processing facilities in various regions across the country. Phylum SARL, a French company specializing in food, animal health, and welfare, will play a key role in this development.

Currently, milk sufficiency in the Philippines stands at just 1.66 percent. The NDA aims to reach five percent or 80 million liters of milk by 2028. The DA noted that the country's average milk production per cow remains low, at eight liters per day, due to challenges such as poor feed and management practices, high production costs, and inadequate dairy infrastructure.

The NDA expressed its openness to international collaborations and private sector investments to enhance the local dairy industry. The MOU was signed by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., representing the NDA, and Phylum SARL managing partner Francois Gary.