Global Lessons, Local Pathways for Soil Health and Climate Action: Repurposing Public Support in the Philippines

About The Event

Governments worldwide spend an estimated USD 650 billion annually on agricultural support. Yet only a small share of this funding is directed toward strengthening soil health, climate resilience, and sustainable land management. As climate risks intensify and fiscal pressures grow, many countries are beginning to rethink how agricultural subsidies and public support can better deliver long-term environmental, economic, and social outcomes.

Across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, governments are experimenting with new approaches. Conditional fertilizer subsidies, bundled soil health packages, and stronger links between agricultural support and social protection programmes are emerging as promising pathways. These reforms aim not only to improve environmental outcomes but also to strengthen farmer livelihoods while reducing long-term public expenditure pressures.

In the Philippines, food security, rice self-sufficiency, fertiliser use, and climate adaptation remain central policy priorities. At the same time, the country faces growing climate risks, soil fertility challenges, and fiscal constraints. This creates a timely opportunity to examine how public agricultural support could be redesigned to better align with soil health, resilience, and equitable rural development goals.

This invite-only convening will bring together policymakers, researchers, civil society organisations, and development partners to exchange global lessons and explore practical pathways for repurposing public support in the Philippines. Particular attention will be given to the role of inclusive policy processes and how farmers and civil society can meaningfully shape reform efforts.