AT least 36 agreements on agriculture and fisheries between the Philippines and China have been suspended.

The agreements have been suspended by Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap while consultations are being held with the affected sectors, Agriculture Undersecretary Berna Romulo Puyat told the House of Representatives agriculture committee chaired by Palawan Rep. Abaraham Mitra on April 29.

The agreements include those on setting aside 1 million hectares for hybrid rice and corn, additional 200,000 hectares in Northern Luzon for agri-business projects, 40,000 hectares for sugar cane and cassava for renewable fuels, and 5,000 hectares for tropical fruits.

Aside from the consultation being held with farmers, Yap wants to be sure the agreements comply with Philippine laws.

Akbayan Rep. Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel proposed that the
agreements be cancelled in the wake of the food crisis.

The deals would principally benefit China, since the produce from lands to be provided by the Philippines would be exported to China, she added.

Mitra said if the agreements are eventually implemented, the government should make sure that none will affect lands covered by agrarian reform.