Philippine agri output contracts 1.7% in 2021

Philippine agricultural output contracted by 1.7% in 2021, missing the Department of Agriculture's 2% growth target.

Despite a 0.6% growth in the fourth quarter, it was not enough to offset earlier declines.

The full-year decline marks the steepest annual contraction since records began in 2001.

Fourth-quarter growth was driven by higher production in crops, poultry, and fisheries, which offset continued livestock decline.