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FPA pushes for digitalization, innovation for PH agri

NPO

•

May 17, 2025

PNA

MANILA – The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) on Friday vowed to advance digitalization and innovation in its efforts to boost the country's agriculture sector.

This, as the FPA prepares for its 48th anniversary celebration, with the theme, "Smarter Regulations, Nurturing Innovation," on May 30.

In a press conference, FPA Executive Director Glenn Estrada cited key activities within the year that will help with the agency's modernization.

“By combining smarter regulations with responsible innovation, the FPA remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard agricultural productivity and sustainability," he said.

These include improving the drone application policies, digitalization of licensing and accreditation, intensified first-border inspections, as well as the updating of the Fertilizer Regulatory Policies (blue book) and Pesticide Regulatory Policies (green book).

“Through digitalization, evidence-based policies, and collaborative efforts, we are responding to the dynamic needs of the agricultural sector,” Estrada said.

To date, the FPA has been advancing precision farming practices, including drone-assisted fertilizer and pesticide spraying.

Other ongoing programs of the FPA include the Composting Facility for Biodegradable Wastes Program, which provides local government units (LGUs) with composting facilities for their wastes; and the Drones4Rice program, which covers the development of protocols, standards, and monitoring for the use of agricultural drones.