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What is BAR?

 

The Bureau of Agricutural Research (BAR) was created by virtue of Executive Order 116 signed in 1987. It is mandated to ensure that agricultural research are coordinated and undertaken for maximum utility to agriculture. The EO requires the Bureau to tap farmers, farmers’ organizations and research institutions especially state colleges and universities (SCUs) in the conduct of research for use by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and its clientele.

The Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997 or AFMA (Republic Act 8435) and Executive Orders 127 (1999) and 338 (2000) affirmed and strengthened the role of BAR in the management of agriculture and fisheries Research and Development (R&D) in the country.  The AFMA law and the Executive Orders mandate BAR to orchestrate, consolidate and strengthen the National Research and Development System for Agriculture and Fisheries (NaRDSAF).

 

Mission

The Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) is committed to consolidate, strengthen and develop the agriculture and fisheries R&D system for the purpose of improving its effectiveness and efficiency. It shall ensure customer satisfaction and continuous improvement through work excellence, teamwork and networking, accountability and innovation.

 

Vision

A stable and progressive future for the Filipinos through excellence in research and development in agriculture and fisheries.

 

Mandate

The Bureau coordinates and funds agricultural research and development activities, develops partnerships with local and international research organizations, strengthens institutional capabilities, manages knowledge and advocate policies towards improved governance and progressive agricultural and fishery sector.

 

Core Functions

Executive Order 338 series of 2000 strengthened and expanded the functions of BAR. As the central body for agriculture and fisheries R&D system, it performs the following functions:

1. Serve as Secretariat for R&D of the Council for Extension Research and Development in Agriculture and Fisheries (CERDAF);
2. Coordinate and strengthen the National Research and Development in Agriculture and Fisheries;
3. Manage the R&D funds of the Department of Agriculture based on the guidelines approved by CERDAF;
4. Provide leadership in the formulation of the Integrated Research, Development, and Extension Agenda and Programs for both the national and regional levels;
5. Coordinate the development and implementation of a manpower development program for R&D staff and researchers;
6. Develop and implement a program for the acquisition, upgrading, and maintenance of R&D facilities and equipment;
7. Implement a monitoring and evaluation system for agriculture and fisheries R&D;
8. Develop and maintain agriculture and fisheries R&D information system linked with the National Information Network (NIN); and
9. Establish and strengthen partnerships with national and international research institutions.

 

R&D Thrusts

BAR has adopted the following thrusts for research and development:

1. Expand the production base and enhance productivity and
   profitability in agriculture and fisheries. The Bureau shall enhance productivity and profitability in agriculture and fisheries through research and development, particularly in the generation of information and technologies on genetic improvements in crops, livestock, and fisheries as well as better production and management practices, market accessibility, and marketing efficiency.

2. Resource sustainability and protecting biodiversity. The Bureau shall support innovative agricultural and fisheries research programs on tapping the full potential of the natural resources while promoting sustainability from these environmental gains. The Bureau shall work for the conservation and protection of the country’s plant and animal germplasms, biodiversity, and other natural resources in agriculture and fisheries.

3. Global competitiveness. The Bureau shall support research and development programs on export crops and products from agriculture and fisheries while at the same time improving on existing products for global markets. Such programs shall include establishing and improving quality standards.

4. Poverty alleviation and people empowerment. The Bureau shall support R&D programs that will generate investments for agribusiness ventures, thereby generating employment in the rural areas. The Bureau shall also support programs on improving agricultural and fisheries supply chains to assure lower costs and lower prices. Moreover, the Bureau shall nurture a knowledge and information system to promote people empowerment through accelerating the use of productivity-enhancing and sustainable technologies in agriculture and fisheries and providing easy access to technology and information on agribusiness, and at the same time encouraging utmost participation of stakeholders.