MANDATE
The Department of Agriculture is the principal agency of the Philippine government responsible for the promotion of agricultural development and growth through increased productivity.

MISSION
To help empower the farming & fishing communities & the private sector to produce enough, accessible & affordable food for every Filipino and a descent income for all.

Vision
A Modernized smallholder agriculture and fisheries; a diversified rural economy that is dynamic, technologically advanced & internationally competitive. Its transformation is guided by the sound practices of social justice, and a strong private sector participation.

GENERAL FUNCTIONS

1. The creation of a policy environment conducive to increase income in agriculture.

2. The production, verification and dissemination of information relevant to productivity and development.

3. The production, testing and dissemination of superior plant and animal germplasm.

4. The facilitation of market access and the promotion of agro-based enterprises.

5. Regulation

6. Implementation of empowerment programs.

7. Stabilization of supplies and prices of rice and corn.

DEPARMENT'S COROLLARY OBJECTIVES

1. To help ensure food security and to support the national effort towards self-sufficiency in rice and corn.

2. To increase export earnings.

3. To reduce imports of commodities that can be produced competitively in the country.

4. To support the development of farmers and fishermens organization.

5. To promote the development of labor intensive and employment generating agro-industrial enterprises.

10 MAJOR SERVICES OF THE DEPARTMENT

1. Production Support Services
   Production support services such as seeds, seedlings, fingerlings, laboratory services, equipment, etc. provided to farmers & fisherfolks.

2. Irrigation Development Services
   Construction, rehabilitation and management of irrigation systems. (NIS, CIS & SIS)

3. Other Infra & Post Harvest Development
   Post harvest facilities such as thresher, dryers, shellers, cold storage facilities, cold chain projects, farm-to-market roads, and other infra projects including fish ports, auction markets, etc. provided to farmers, fisherfolks, and LGUs.

4. Market Development Services
   Market promotion and other market-related activities such as market matching, trade fairs, market dialogues, etc. conducted to serve as venue for market negotiations between producers (farmers/fisherfolk) and buyers.

5. Extension Support, Education, and Training Services
   Extension support, education, and training provided to LGUs, farmers, fisherfolk, SCUs, AFCs, and rural-based organizations.

6. Research and Development Services
   New technologies and genetically improved varieties developed and disseminated to farmers, fisherfolk, and LGUs.

7. Credit Facilitation Services
   Loan, insurance, and guarantee facilitated for farmers and fisherfolk through GFIs and other lending institutions.

8. Regulatory Services
   Regulatory services such as the issuance of license, import/export permits, certificates of standards and quality control, etc. to clientele.

9. Information Support Services
   Installation of information/data base system on soil, land & water resources, as well as maps, statistical reports, prices, and knowledge products, and services to make them accessible to farmers, fisherfolk, and LGUs.

10. Policy Formulation, Planning & Advicacy
    Preparation of plans & profiles; programs & projects; conduct of policy agenda/studies & reviews as well as other advocacy activities.