Objectives of the Board
- Administer licensure examinations, registration, and licensing of agriculturists
- Supervise and regulate the practice of agriculture profession in the Philippines
- Upgrade the agriculture profession and promote professionalization of agriculturists
Definitions
- Agriculture: Art, science, and business of soil cultivation, crop planting, livestock, poultry, harvesting, and related farm activities
- Practice of Agriculture Profession: Application of knowledge in agriculture including consultation, management, research, training, marketing, teaching, and employment requiring licensed agriculturists
- Agriculturist: Technically qualified person registered and licensed by the Board
- Agricultural Sector: Entities involved in cultivation, crop planting, livestock raising, and related post-harvest processing and marketing
- Board: Board of Agriculture
- Commission: Professional Regulation Commission
Composition and Qualifications of the Board
- Composed of a Chairman and five Members representing six fields of agricultural specialization
- Members appointed by the President from PRC recommendees nominated by accredited associations
- Members must be registered agriculturists with at least a Bachelor’s degree in their specialization
- Additional qualifications include Filipino citizenship, age 40+, proven integrity, no conviction involving moral turpitude, at least 10 years of agricultural practice, and no conflict of interest with educational institutions or review centers
Term and Compensation
- Term: 3 years with staggered initial terms; maximum service of 6 years
- Compensation aligned with other PRC Board members as per annual General Appropriations Act
Removal and Suspension
- Removal grounds: negligence, incompetence, unethical conduct, violations of law or professional codes, or conviction of crime
- Due process rights ensured including legal assistance
- Preventive suspension possible during investigation
Powers and Functions of the Board
- Rulemaking for implementation of the Resolution
- Conduct licensure examinations and administer professional oaths
- Register and license agriculturists and revoke or suspend licenses when warranted
- Adopt official seals for Board and agriculturists
- Issue Code of Ethics and Professional Standards
- Uphold high professional and ethical standards
- Coordinate with CHED on academic programs related to agriculture
- Hear administrative cases involving violations
- Prescribe guidelines for continuing professional education
- Prepare and update examination syllabi
- Other duties for fulfilling objectives, subject to PRC approval except ministerial tasks
Supervision and Records
- Board under PRC’s administrative supervision
- All Board records are maintained and controlled by PRC
- PRC provides secretarial and support services
Annual Reporting
- Board must submit annual report to the President through PRC within 30 days after calendar year-end
- Report includes proceedings, accomplishments, and recommendations to improve the profession
Examination and Registration Requirements
- Mandatory licensure examination for registration
- Applicant qualifications: Filipino citizenship, good moral character, no moral turpitude convictions, and Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture or Agricultural Technology
- Suspension/revocation for fraudulent applications
Examination Scope and Passing Criteria
- Exams cover: Crop and Soil Sciences, Crop Protection, Animal Science, Agricultural Economics and Marketing, Agricultural Extension and Communication, Post-Harvest Technology
- Board may update subjects in coordination with CHED
- Passing requires 75% general average with no score below 60% in any subject, with a one-time retake allowance for failed subjects
- Candidates failing thrice must wait one year before re-examining
Oath and Issuance of Certificates
- Successful examinees must take oath in person before the Board or authorized official
- Certificate of Registration and Professional License issued upon compliance and fee payment
- License includes registrant’s picture and signatures of Board and PRC officials
Seal and Identification Requirements
- Agriculturists must obtain and use an official seal for all professional documents
- License number and privilege tax receipts must be indicated on signed documents
Grounds for Suspension or Revocation
- Fraud or deceit in obtaining license
- Incompetence, negligence, unethical or immoral conduct
- Malpractice or illegal practice
- Violations of this Resolution or related Codes of Ethics and Professional Standards
- Administrative decisions subject to appeal to PRC within 15 days
Practice of Agriculture Profession
- Practice is a personal professional service, not a corporate activity
- Only registered and licensed agriculturists may form firms or associations labeled "Agriculturists" and register them
- Non-registered individuals cannot be partners or members
Registration Without Examination
- Certificate and license may be granted without exam to applicants with:
- Relevant Bachelor’s degree and five years of agriculture service prior to R.A. 8435 effectivity and passing a CSC exam, or
- Master’s degree and three years of service, or
- PhD degree and two years of service
Integration of Agriculturists
- Board shall integrate all registered agriculturists into one national association
- Association shall be registered with SEC and accredited by PRC
- All registered agriculturists become automatic members eligible for associated benefits
Foreign Reciprocity
- Foreigners allowed to examine or register only if their countries allow Filipinos equal practice rights
- Must show reciprocal recognition of degrees and practice rights according to PRC law
Funding
- Initial P10 million allocated by Department of Agriculture for Board operation for 1 year
- Continuing funding to be included in PRC’s annual appropriations
Implementation and Effectivity
- Board shall issue rules and regulations subject to PRC approval
- Resolution becomes effective 30 days after publication in Official Gazette or newspaper
This comprehensive framework establishes the Board of Agriculture’s structure, functions, regulatory powers, and standards for the professional practice of agriculture in the Philippines, aligning with the national goal to modernize agriculture and uphold high professional standards.