Philippine agriculture shrinks 1.2% in 2020

The Philippine agriculture sector contracted by 1.2 percent in 2020 due to production declines across all commodities, particularly livestock and poultry.

Livestock production declined by 13 percent in the fourth quarter of 2020, primarily affecting hog farming due to African swine fever (ASF), while poultry production also shrank by 6 percent.

The sector faced challenges including typhoons, the Taal Volcano eruption, and lockdowns due to COVID-19, leading to a contraction for the first time since 2016.

Despite these setbacks, Agriculture Secretary William Dar believes the sector remained resilient.