Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Program Act

State policy aims for sustainable modern agriculture and food security.
Focus on increasing incomes and potential of farmers and fisherfolk.
Emphasizes public-private partnerships.
Strengthens farmer and fisherfolk enterprise development through a comprehensive, coordinated, and holistic approach.
Promotes entrepreneurship culture within agricultural and fishing communities.

Establishes the "Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Program" (the Program).
Program promotes enterprises involving agricultural and fishery products.
Integrated with Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Plan and MSME Development Plan.
Utilizes science-based technologies for product prioritization.
Forms of assistance include:
(a) Improving production/productivity through services, skills, inputs, equipment, and infrastructure.
(b) Access to financing, including credit, grants, and crop insurance.
(c) Access to improved technologies via research & development.
(d) Business support for market access, marketing, and networking.

Covers agricultural and fisheries production, including processing.
Covers acquisition of work animals, equipment, seeds, fertilizers, poultry, livestock, feeds.
Includes procurement of products for storage, trading, processing, distribution.
Encompasses construction, acquisition, repair of agri-fishery facilities.
Supports working capital for agriculture/fisheries graduates.
Supports agribusiness activities aimed at soil, water conservation, and ecology.
Provides credit guarantees on uncollateralized loans.

Existing producer groups in priority commodity value chains with market surplus potential.
Farmers/fisherfolk willing to cluster and enter into contracts or marketing agreements.
Producer groups willing to operationalize enterprise development.
Micro, small, medium-scale processors, consolidators, exporters aiding producers.
Farmers/fisherfolk beneficiaries must be organized members of a priority commodity value chain entity.

Department of Agriculture (DA) as main implementing agency.
Collaborates with Philippine Coconut Authority, National Dairy Authority, BSWM, Bureau of Fisheries, ATI, ACPC, BAR, and others.
Also works with Department of Agrarian Reform, DENR, DOST, DTI, DILG for support.

Encourages partnerships between farmers/fisherfolk and private sector.
Selection criteria for private partners include:
(a) Commitment to marketing contracts.
(b) Willingness for technology transfer.
(c) Financial and organizational capability.
(d) Relevant experience.
Private sector may provide equipment, machinery, and assistance.
DA to set guidelines for private sector partner recognition.

Council created to oversee Program implementation.
Composition:
(a) DA Secretary or Undersecretary as Chair.
(b) Representatives from DTI, DILG, DOF, CDA.
(c) Representatives from farmers’ and fisherfolk organizations.
(d) Representatives from agriculture, food, restaurant, and business sectors.
Council to use DA-managed resources and require counterpart funds from partners, LGUs, and organizations.

Agriculture and Fishery Councils (AFCs) to facilitate private sector involvement at regional and local levels.

Government agencies to directly purchase accredited farmers’ and fisherfolk products.
Such procurement exempt from bidding but subject to negotiated procurement rules.

Gifts and donations exempt from donor’s tax.
LGUs exempt from real property tax on structures used for farm inputs and outputs, subject to value limits.
Land Bank of the Philippines to offer preferential rates and special windows.
Income tax exemptions to registered Barangay Micro-Business Enterprises (BMBEs).

DA, in consultation with DTI and DOF, to promulgate implementing rules within 60 days of effectivity.

Laws and regulations inconsistent with this Act are repealed or modified accordingly.

Act takes effect fifteen (15) days after publication in the Official Gazette or newspaper of general circulation.