WHO IS ON TOP OF NEW FOOD PRODUCTS DEVELOPMENT?

Believe it or not, “cheese” is now made from cashew nuts, and “bacon” is now made from mushrooms. Not only that, there are now many “meats” made from vegetable ingredients, sometimes called “meatless”, and one is even branded as “Unmeat”. Most of these would fall under the category of “plant based” foods. The world is changing so fast, and so is food production. Each day that passes could be a day of lost opportunities for our country if we are unable to understand the consumer trends around the world, and be able to act and react aggressively in response to global market demands. Common sense tells us that when it comes to anything that is about food, it should be the DA that should take the lead. But if the DA is already busy with the growing of conventional crops, who should we depend on when it comes to the development of new food products? Should it be the DOST? And who should guide the DOST about what to do, and which direction to go to? Should it not be the DTI? Does anyone know whether DA, DOST and DTI officials are talking to coordinate the development of new food products? And why not include the DFA officials in the coordination, considering that they are the ones who are exposed to the world markets? Perhaps we could even make new cheeses from pili nuts? At least, we are already making burger patties from mushrooms! IKE SENERES/09088877282/01-06-2024