Florida firms, institutions looking for agri-tech partners in PH

The Embassy’s Economic Outreach team led by Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. visited the University of Florida’s Center for Renewable Chemicals and Fuels. PH EMBASSY PHOTO

GAINESVILLE, Florida – More US firms and institutions in Florida are showing strong interest in partnering with counterparts in the Philippines on modern technological applications, particularly in agriculture.

BioTork, a Gainesville-based company, wants to work with a Philippine laboratory that will validate its technology of producing high-value fish feed from molasses with the use of its patented microorganisms, reported Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia Jr., recently led an “economic diplomacy” sortie in the southern state.

Biotork is also interested in having a joint venture with a Philippine company that can adapt its technology into existing fermentation infrastructure and capacity, Cuisia added.

“We see these as steps toward realizing a modernized smallholder agriculture and fishery sector, a diversified rural economy that is dynamic, technologically advanced and internationally competitive,” Cuisia said in his report to Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. Del Rosario.

Agriculture Attaché Dr. Josyline Javelosa, who accompanied Cuisia, said the Department of Agriculture will link BioTork with the University of the Philippines at Los Baños and the sugar industry for the “simultaneous validation of this technology as applied to molasses produced in Philippine sugar mills.”

The University of Florida’s Center for Renewable Chemicals and Fuels has also welcomed potential collaboration with Philippine research institutions such as on biofuel production from sugar bagasse, said Javelosa.

Another University of Florida institution, the internationally acclaimed Sid Martin Biotechnology Incubator, shared its successful experience in commercializing bioscience research, Javelosa added.

According to Director Patti Breedlove, a key factor in the success of the incubator is the strong entrepreneurial spirit that supports commercialization of solid technology produced by topnotch research capabilities and facilities.

Altavian, another Gainesville-based company, proposed the use of its small, unmanned aircraft systems to help Filipino farmers establish agricultural mapping services.

This would to address crop production issues, conduct survey-grade mapping of mining and construction operations and develop high-resolution imagery for smaller islands around the Philippines.

In Miami, the Florida International University’s International Hurricane Research Center has also expressed interest in collaborating with Philippine institutions on storm surge modeling, according to Javelosa.

“The common interest is to minimize the impact of Florida’s hurricanes and Philippine typhoons on agriculture and surrounding communities in general and to provide an opportunity to bring researchers together to come up with solutions,” Javelosa said.