Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Program
- The Program promotes agricultural and fishery enterprise development.
- Integrates with existing national agricultural and business development plans.
- Uses science-based technology to identify priority products.
- Provides assistance in production, financing, technology access, and business development.
Scope of Program Coverage
- Covers agricultural and fisheries production, including processing and inputs.
- Supports acquisition of equipment, seeds, livestock, and raw materials.
- Enables procurement, storage, and marketing facilities construction and repair.
- Provides working capital and credit guarantees.
- Supports agribusiness activities for ecological conservation.
Beneficiaries
- Existing and potential producer groups that can increase marketable surplus.
- Those willing to cluster and enter formal marketing agreements.
- Micro, small, and medium processors and enterprises engaged in value-adding activities.
- Beneficiaries must be organized in commodity value chain organizations.
Implementing and Partner Agencies
- Department of Agriculture (DA) as lead agency.
- Collaboration with multiple specialized government agencies.
- Coordination with departments such as Agrarian Reform, Environment, Science and Technology, Trade, and Local Government.
Private Sector Partnership
- Criteria for private sector partners include commitment to contracts, technology transfer, and capability.
- Private partners may provide equipment and assistance.
- DA to issue guidelines for private sector participation.
Governance Structure
- Creation of the Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Council to oversee implementation.
- Council includes representatives from DA, DTI, DILG, DOF, CDA, farmer and fisherfolk organizations, and private sector.
- Emphasizes funding from various stakeholders including local governments and farmers/fisherfolk organizations.
Local Level Implementation
- Agriculture and Fishery Councils (AFCs) at regional and local levels to facilitate private sector involvement.
Information System
- DA manages an information system recording programs, projects, enterprises, and private partners.
- System aims to support planning and partnership development.
Government Procurement Provisions
- National and local government agencies encouraged to directly purchase from accredited cooperatives.
- Procurement exempted from bidding but subject to negotiated procurement guidelines.
Tax Incentives and Financial Support
- Donations to the Program exempt from donor’s tax.
- LGUs exempt certain agricultural storage structures from real property tax.
- Land Bank to provide preferential rates.
- Income tax exemptions for registered cooperative enterprises under BMBE Act.
Implementation, Separability, and Repealing Clauses
- DA, in consultation with DTI and DOF, to issue implementing rules within 60 days.
- Invalid provisions do not affect the rest of the Act.
- Repeals inconsistent laws and regulations.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or newspaper of general circulation.