MALAYSIA, US TO EXPLORE MODERN AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY COOPERATION - MAFS

PUTRAJAYA, Jan 15 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and the United States (US) have the potential to expand strategic cooperation in agricultural technology and agro-food development following a meeting between Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu and US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke J. Lindberg, along with his delegation, yesterday.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) said discussions between the two parties focused on the potential expansion of bilateral agricultural trade, as well as strengthening technical cooperation and investment to enhance productivity in the agriculture sector. 

“Among the areas emphasised were the use of mechanisation and automation, digital technology, smart agriculture development, seed variety improvement and the application of Internet of Things (IoT) technology,” MAFS said in a statement.

In addition, the MAFS expressed its intention to cooperate with the USDA in efforts to modernise grain corn production for livestock feed, as well as to strengthen the production capacity of the country’s agro-food sector through the adoption of modern technology.

The ministry said the meeting also discussed a working visit by MAFS officers to the US, involving representatives from the Department of Veterinary Services and the Department of Agriculture, scheduled to take place from Jan 17 to 24.

 According to MAFS, the visit aimed to enhance cooperation between the two countries in sanitary and phytosanitary aspects.

The ministry added that agricultural trade between Malaysia and the United States was valued at RM14.68 billion from January to September 2025, reflecting the US’s role as one of Malaysia’s important strategic partners in the global food supply chain.

The courtesy call by the US delegation, led by Lindberg, was held in conjunction with the US trade mission to Malaysia from Jan 14 to 15, which was also attended by US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan.

Also present at the meeting were MAFS secretary-general Datuk Seri Isham Ishak, deputy secretary-general (Policy) Datuk Seri Norazman Ayob and director-general of Agriculture Datuk Nor Sam Alwi.

-- BERNAMA