Agriculture | Balinkbayan

Maximizing the potential of our country’s vast natural resources through financial and skills investments creates a more productive space for our local farmers and fisherfolk in one of the most essential industries for nation-building: agriculture.

The Philippines, inevitably agricultural in nature, caters to produce-related profitable opportunities considering the bountiful natural resources present across our vast fertile lands. The continuous development of the sector led to the production of our ever-growing agricultural commodities, which proudly showcase “tatak-Pinoy” products.

At present, agriculture is not only limited to food, but has also largely developed into creating new innovations in medicine, cosmetics, textiles, and even renewable energy sources. Ranking as the third major sector in 2022, there is no doubt the country’s agricultural condition continues to dominate the economic industry. With this, investors can freely choose potential agricultural activities where they think they can contribute—farming, crop production, poultry and livestock, food processing/manufacturing, and endless possibilities of agricultural opportunities.

WHY INVEST?

Agriculture means everything to people, especially to Filipinos. Without this, no one can ever live—basically making it the most vital sector within our industries, even outside of our country from our exports. Agricultural investments encourage high contributions to overall development and sustenance, given their inevitable role in everyday life. With an abundance of natural resources distinct in the tropics, the Philippine agricultural sector proves to be one of the competitive exporters of fruit and edible oil, accounting for $1.956 billion and $2.2 billion, respectively. Furthermore, the different areas of the agricultural sector contributed a 25% increase in local employment as of 2023.

Potential Industries

The country’s rich terrestrial and aquatic zones offer longevity of investment, given their unending cultivation and consumption—rooted in the daily need for sustenance—in the local market. Hence, the agricultural sector would be a great option for anyone, especially overseas Filipinos and their families, who aspire to invest in practicality-driven opportunities from our very own lands.

Informative videos about agricultural investing can be found at the Department of Agriculture’s official YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@daagribusiness-amas/videos

Benefits, Challenges, Opportunities

ACTIVE GOVERNMENT SUPPORT AND INTERVENTION

In line with the national response to both local and international demands, agriculture is one of the few national industries with the largest endowment of funds for productivity, alongside active research and the provision of incentives and supplies for local farmers and producers.

GROWING TRACTION AND SUPPORT OF AGRICULTURAL LABOR AND HUMAN RESOURCE

The Philippines has a large chunk of readily available labor for agricultural activities, particularly in rural areas. As of 2023, there exists a total of 25% of Filipino workers being involved in the agricultural industry–which continues to grow faster by 1.2%.

RICH, FERTILE, AND EXPANSIVE AGRICULTURAL LANDS

As an archipelagic country, the Philippines is richly built with both terrestrial and aquatic zones–offering a wide array of natural resources for cultivation and consumption.

IN-DEMAND AND CONSISTENT NECESSITY FOR AGRICULTURAL GOODS

The agricultural sector will always be needed as it is a means of public sustenance and development. Products and services, whether locally consumed or exported, are all dependent on raw materials from agriculture.

CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE UNCONTROLLABLE

Floods, typhoons, and even droughts are major critical and inevitable problems of the agricultural industry.

URBANIZATION AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENTS AND NECESSITY FOR AGRICULTURAL GOODS

The rapid growth of urbanization within the Philippines minimizes agricultural land capacity, leading to food supply shortages and the frequent importation of basic necessities.

LOW TECHNOLOGICAL SUPPORT

The Philippines remains less competitive in agricultural technology than other countries. Lesser productivity results because agricultural manpower is not supplemented enough by technological innovations that could improve performance.

TECHNOLOGICAL AND MACHINERY ADVANCEMENTS

The creation of the National Agricultural and Fisheries Modernization and Industrialization Plan (NAFMIP) 2021-2030 of the DA aims to advance and modernize the agriculture industry through holistic agri-food systems and raising the compensation and benefits of fishermen and fisherfolk in the country.

UPSTREAMING AGRICULTURE AND BUSINESS (AGRIBUSINESS)

The Philippine Development Plan of 2023 (PDP 2023) envisions promoting production efficiency through the adoption of technical advancements and integrating modern ways of farming into production and market supply.

RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS

Revitalizing rural areas through infrastructure developments will create more opportunities for Filipinos to harness the agricultural industry. The DA, with the help of other government agencies, will pioneer bridging opportunities for rural communities in the country through Science and Technology (S&T) offices, private sector engagements, and agribusiness venture agreements.

EDUCATION AND ACADEMIC INTERVENTIONS

The Philippine government targets improving training capacities and education services for the needs of small farmers and fisherfolks, improving and reforming education curriculum in agri-fishing schools, and highlighting the essence of modern innovations in local farming and fishing technologies.

Government & Non-Government Support Channels

Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD)

The DOST-PCAARRD publishes investment guides that encourage overseas Filipinos (OFs) and local entrepreneurs to invest in agriculture. The DOST-PCAARRD e-library provides these resources for the general public's consumption.

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You may visit their website to access their resources:

https://elibrary.pcaarrd.dost.gov.ph/home

Department of Agriculture (DA)

The DA has partnered with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to provide agri-loans, market linkages, and agribusiness training to OFWs. Numerous Philippine embassies abroad also conduct annual agricultural investment forums to promote agribusiness to OFs.

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You may visit their website for more information:

https://www.da.gov.ph/services/agricultural-credit-and-financing-programs/

Both the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS) and Agribusiness Promotion Division (APD) of the Department of Agriculture provide timely and accurate market information that guides agribusiness stakeholders to encourage them in agribusiness investments.

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You may refer to their YouTube channel for reference:

https://www.youtube.com/@daagribusiness-amas/videos

Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank)

Land Bank provides banking programs for overseas Filipinos, specifically the Overseas Filipino Bank and the Land Bank GoBayani.

You may check their website to know more:

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https://www.landbank.com/about-us/foundation-and-subsidiaries/overseas-filipino-bank

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https://www.landbank.com/news/landbank-launches-gobayani-digital-deposit-account-for-ofws\

Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP)

Together with Land Bank of the Philippines, the DBP provides Enterprise Development Interventions for OFWs and their families in training them on business essentials. They also offer reintegration programs where flexible credit assistance may help Overseas Filipinos build their own businesses.

You may visit the following links for more information:

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https://www.dbp.ph/developmental-banking/micro-small-and-medium-enterprises/sustainable-agribusiness-financing-program-safp/

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https://www.dbp.ph/personal-banking/remittance-products-and-services/products-and-services/

Various Cooperatives for Overseas Filipinos

There are many cooperatives in the Philippines that cater to the financial needs of OFs. You may check the BaLinkBayan’s dedicated page for the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) here: https://balinkbayan.gov.ph/cooperative-development-authority-cda-2/

A complete list of CDA-accredited cooperatives (except for those in the BARMM) can be found at:
https://cda.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2021-List-of-Cooperatives.pdf

International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)

As a leading international organization for specialized rice research based in the Philippines, the International Rice Research Institute offers various training and educational programs—from micromodules (free access) to short courses—for those aspiring to invest in the agricultural sector, especially with a focus on producing rice.

You may visit the following links to learn more:

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https://www.irri.org/our-solutions/irri-education

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https://openlearning.cgiar.org/

How to Invest in Agriculture

CREATE A PLAN

In order to succeed, you need to answer the questions:
• why are you investing
• where do you want to invest in the agricultural field
• how much are you willing to invest
• how do you envision your investment/s in the future

SEEK FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS

Study financial loaning programs which cater to overseas Filipinos (OFs), and decide whether to enroll.

STUDY

Research farming and agricultural know-how to equip yourself with the knowledge and skills needed to be familiarized with the field.

CHECK AGRIBUSINESS FORUMS

This will greatly help you navigate your interests and establish a linkage among sectors within agriculture. This may be available online or onsite.

CONNECT WITH TARGET INVESTORS

It is important to establish rapport with and know your target investors.

SUPPORT FILIPINO AGRICULTURE

It is essential to support local farmers and fisherfolks in uplifting our agricultural industry towards technological progression and production development. Investing in agriculture will help our local industries create opportunities that will transcend our economy.

Information & Photo Sources

Espenilla, N. A. (2017, November 27). Why the Philippines Speech. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

Department of Agriculture, & Philippine Statistics Authority. (2020). Top Producing Provinces of Selected High Value Crops [Map].
https://hvcdp.da.gov.ph/.

National Economic Development Authority. (2023). Philippine development plan, 2023-2028.

Philippine Discovery. (n.d.). 4 Days Banaue Rice Terraces Tour from Manila [Image].
https://www.philippinesdiscovery.ph/tours/4-days-banaue-rice-terraces-tour.html.

Philippine Statistics Authority. (2024). Agriculture, forestry and fishing declines anew in the fourth quarter of 2024.
https://psa.gov.ph/statistics/national-accounts/sector/Agriculture%2C%20Forestry%20and%20Fishing.

Philippine Statistics Authority. (2025, January 5). Employment Rate in November 2024 was Estimated at 96.8 Percent.
https://psa.gov.ph/statistics/labor-force-survey/press-release/node/1684065581.

The Complete Guide to Pineapple Farming: From Seed to Sale [Image]. (2024, April 23).
https://www.agrifarming.in/pineapple-farming#.

The Manila Times. (2023, October 26). Philippines' Food Security Strengthened by Sustainable Agriculture Program [Image].
https://sea-vet.net/news/1438-philippines-food-security-strengthened-by-sustainable-agriculture-program.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/10/15/public-square/calabarzon-farmers-complete-modern-agri-training/1914786

Valones, R., & MEDA. (2023, February 1). The Face of Sustainably Produced Cacao: MEDA’s Approach in Integrating Gendered Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) in the Philippine Cacao Market System [Image].
https://www.meda.org/news/blog/the-face-of-sustainably-produced-cacao-medas-approach-in-integrating-gendered-environmental-social-and-governance-esg-in-the-philippine-cacao-market-system/.

Commission on Filipinos Overseas