As stipulated in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022, Chapter 8, Expanding Economic Opportunities in Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries (AFF) sector is pivotal in generating employment for about a third of the country’s labor force, thereby reducing poverty and inequality for three-fourths of the poor who are in the rural areas. AFF is also key to providing raw materials to the manufacturing and service sectors, resulting in forward linkages in terms of higher-paying and more stable job opportunities. Intensifying efforts to revitalize the AFF and harnessing its growth potentials are needed to promote more inclusive development. Given the sector’s links to agribusiness, interventions and investments will be channeled to expand existing opportunities and develop new ones, thus inducing greater participation of small farmers and fisherfolk.

Mandate

The Department is the government agency responsible for the promotion of agricultural development by providing the policy framework, public investments, and support services needed for domestic and export-oriented business enterprises.

In the fulfillment of this mandate, it shall be the primary concern of the Department to improve farm income and generate work opportunities for farmers, fishermen and other rural workers. It shall encourage people’s participation in agricultural development through sectoral representation in agricultural policy-making bodies so that the policies, plans and programs of the Department are formulated and executed to satisfy their needs.

It shall also use a bottom-up self-reliant farm system approach that will emphasize social justice, equity, productivity and sustainability in the use of agricultural resources.

Vision

A food secure & resilient Philippines with empowered & prosperous farmers and fisherfolk.

Mission

To empower farmers & fisherfolk through collective action and attract private sector investments with inclusive agribusiness towards agricultural efficiencies, productivity, sustainability and resilience.