Philippines targets Japan horticulture market at Green X Expo

The Philippines is positioning Green X Expo in March 2027 in Yokohama, Japan, as a platform to expand horticultural exports, attract investment, and showcase its shift toward more climate-resilient agriculture.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) launched the country’s participation during the Pagsibol 2026: Philippine Horticulture and Urban Agriculture Summit, unveiling the Philippine Pavilion theme, “Bukás: Gardens of the Bayanihan Spirit.”

The pavilion will complement the expo’s overarching theme, “Scenery of the Future for Happiness,” with the event scheduled from March 19 to September 26, 2027.

“We want to show our horticultural heritage, biodiversity, and green innovations—and what Filipino ingenuity and bayanihan can do,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said.

© DA Press Office

The Philippines will emphasize in the Green Expo its strength as a horticultural producer, its transition toward regenerative and climate-resilient agriculture, and its openness to partnerships, investment and innovation.

A key focus will be ornamental horticulture, a segment the government sees as having significant room for expansion. While the Philippines has established itself in fruit exports, its presence in ornamental plants remains comparatively limited.

“The Philippines boasts a strong market position in fruit exports, yet remains underrepresented in ornamental horticulture. Through our participation in Green X Expo 2027, we want to highlight the significant potential for growth and diversification in this sector,” DA-AMAS Director Junibert De Sagun said during Pagsibol 2026.

The pavilion will feature the Waling-waling and other Philippine orchids, premium tropical fruits and other high-value horticultural products with potential for Japanese and international markets.

It will also incorporate garden concepts inspired by the Banaue Rice Terraces and Chocolate Hills, alongside elements of the Pahiyas, Panagbenga and Dinagyang festivals.

More importantly, the Philippine presence will include product exhibitions, business matching and an Outbound Business Mission designed to connect farmers, growers, agripreneurs and MSMEs with international buyers, investors and distributors.

The DA said these activities will seek to translate the country’s expo participation into concrete export, investment and commercial opportunities for Philippine horticulture and agrifishery enterprises.

Source: Philippines Department of Agriculture