INTRODUCTION TO

AGRICULTURAL POLICY AND

DEVELOPMENT

PRESENTED BY:
LOVE LYN B. ABORITA
BSA 3 – GENERAL AGRICULTURE
 CONTENT:

•DEFINITION AND SCOPE OF AGRICULTURAL POLICY

•IMPORTANCE OF AGRICULTURE IN NATIONAL AND GLOBAL ECONOMIES
•HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES ON AGRICULTURAL POLICY
 DEFINITION OF AGRICULTURAL POLICY

• Agricultural policy refers to a set of government measures and regulations designed

to influence and manage the agricultural sector.
• This includes policies related to land use, production techniques, subsidies, trade,
labor, and the environment. The goal of agricultural policy is to ensure food
security, support farm income, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and
regulate the agricultural economy to benefit both producers and consumers.
 SCOPE OF AGRICULTURAL POLICY

• Production and Farm Support: policies that influence the type of crops grown, the
methods of farming used, and the income support provided to farmers (e.G., Subsidies,
grants, and price supports).
• Land Use and Conservation: regulations and incentives related to land management,
conservation, and sustainable practices aimed at preserving natural resources and
maintaining soil health.
• Food Security: measures aimed at ensuring that the population has access to adequate
and affordable food, often by stabilizing food prices, boosting domestic production, and
facilitating food distribution.
 SCOPE OF AGRICULTURAL POLICY

• Rural Development: policies designed to support rural areas, including infrastructure

development, access to education, healthcare, and the promotion of economic
diversification to reduce dependency on agriculture.
• Trade and Market Access: regulations concerning agricultural exports and imports, tariffs,
trade agreements, and international standards that influence the global agricultural market.
• Environmental Sustainability: policies focused on reducing the environmental impact of
agriculture, such as promoting sustainable farming practices, reducing carbon emissions,
and addressing water management issues.
 SCOPE OF AGRICULTURAL POLICY

• Technology and Research: investment in agricultural research, technological innovation,

and the adoption of new farming techniques to improve efficiency, yield, and resilience.
• Health and Nutrition: policies promoting food safety, quality, and nutrition standards to
ensure public health, including addressing food labeling, foodborne diseases, and the
nutritional value of foods.
• Labor and Workforce: addressing labor laws and conditions for farmworkers, including
wage regulations, safety standards, and workers' rights.
 SCOPE OF AGRICULTURAL POLICY

• Economic Stability And Risk Management: mechanisms to manage agricultural risks,

such as crop failure, market fluctuations, or natural disasters, through insurance
schemes, price stabilization programs, and emergency relief measures.
 IMPORTANCE OF AGRICULTURE IN PHILIPPINE
ECONOMIES

1. CONTRIBUTION TO GDP
Agriculture remains a crucial sector in the philippines, contributing a
notable share to the country’s GDP. While its share in the national GDP has
declined over time due to the rise of the services and industrial sectors,
agriculture still provides substantial value. As of recent years, agriculture
contributes approximately 8-10% of the country's GDP.
 IMPORTANCE OF AGRICULTURE IN PHILIPPINE
ECONOMIES
2. ECONOMIC GROWTH AND EMPLOYMENT
• Agriculture remains a primary source of livelihood, employing about 25-30% of the
Philippine workforce. A large portion of the rural population relies on farming and fishing as
their main source of income.
• Growth in agriculture stimulates other sectors of the economy, including processing
industries, retail, transport, and agribusiness. As farming becomes more productive, it has
ripple effects that benefit other industries and boost overall economic growth.
• Agriculture also contributes significantly to the country’s food supply, helping ensure
national food security.
 IMPORTANCE OF AGRICULTURE IN PHILIPPINE
ECONOMIES

3. RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE

• Investments in agriculture often lead to improved rural infrastructure, including roads,
irrigation systems, and storage facilities, which further enhance agricultural productivity
and rural livelihoods.
• Increased agricultural income can fund better access to education, healthcare, and
other essential services in rural areas.
 IMPORTANCE OF AGRICULTURE IN PHILIPPINE
ECONOMY

4. EXPORT AND TRADE:

• Agricultural exports remain a significant part of the Philippine economy. The country
exports a range of agricultural products to global markets such as sugar, coconut
products (coconut oil, copra), bananas, and pineapples
• These exports generate foreign exchange, which supports the overall economy and
strengthens the country’s position in global markets.
 IMPORTANCE OF AGRICULTURE IN GLOBAL
ECONOMIES

• Agriculture plays a vital role in global trade by serving as a cornerstone for the export of
many essential commodities. The sector not only sustains economies but also fosters
international trade relationships
• Agricultural trade helps to integrate global food systems, making food more accessible
across borders and fostering economic growth.
 IMPORTANCE OF AGRICULTURE IN GLOBAL
ECONOMIES

• Many countries, especially developing economies, depend on agricultural exports as a

primary source of foreign exchange. Nations like Brazil, Argentina, the United States, and
the Philippines are major agricultural exporters, contributing significantly to global food
supply chains
• Agricultural trade forms the basis of diplomatic and economic relationships. Countries
often use agricultural trade agreements as leverage to gain access to other markets, create
economic partnerships, or resolve disputes.
 HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES ON AGRICULTURAL
POLICY
I. PRE-INDUSTRIAL ERA: SUBSISTENCE FARMING AND LOCAL POLICIES.
II. INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION: SHIFT TOWARDS COMMERCIAL FARMING AND MECHANIZATION.
III. 20TH CENTURY POLICIES: THE RISE OF GOVERNMENT INTERVENTIONS, SUBSIDIES, AND PRICE
SUPPORTS.
IV. MODERN AGRICULTURAL POLICIES: SUSTAINABILITY, CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION, AND
TECHNOLOGICAL INTEGRATION.
 HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES ON AGRICULTURAL
POLICY

I. PRE-INDUSTRIAL ERA: SUBSISTENCE FARMING AND LOCAL POLICIES.

• Before the industrial revolution, agricultural practices were primarily focused on subsistence farming,
where farmers produced enough food to support their own families or local communities. Agricultural
policies, in this period, were often informal and localized, as large-scale state intervention was minimal.
• Agriculture was mostly managed at the local level, and farming communities relied on traditional
knowledge and practices. Local policies, such as land tenure systems, were often based on custom,
communal land use, or feudal structures.
 HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES ON AGRICULTURAL
POLICY

II. INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION: SHIFT TOWARDS COMMERCIAL FARMING AND

MECHANIZATION.
The industrial revolution, which began in the 18th century, brought profound changes to
agriculture, including the rise of commercial farming and the widespread use of mechanization.
• COMMERCIALIZATION OF AGRICULTURE: With the development of better transportation networks,
agricultural products began to be sold on a larger scale. The emergence of commercial farming saw a shift
from subsistence production to market-driven farming.
• TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES: The introduction of machinery like the seed drill, mechanical reapers, and
the tractor revolutionized farming by increasing efficiency, enabling large-scale production, and reducing
the reliance on manual labor.
 HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES ON AGRICULTURAL
POLICY

II. INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION: SHIFT TOWARDS COMMERCIAL FARMING AND

MECHANIZATION.
• LAND ENCLOSURES: The enclosure movement took place, where common lands were privatized and
consolidated into larger, more efficient farms. This marked a shift from traditional communal farming to
more productive, individual land ownership.
• EARLY STATE INTERVENTION: While government involvement remained limited, the rise of commercial
agriculture laid the groundwork for more formal agricultural policies. The state began to play a role in
promoting trade and developing policies that affected agricultural markets.
 HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES ON AGRICULTURAL
POLICY

III. 20TH CENTURY POLICIES: THE RISE OF GOVERNMENT INTERVENTIONS, SUBSIDIES,

AND PRICE SUPPORTS.
• THE GREAT DEPRESSION AND NEW DEAL: In response to the great depression, agricultural policies in
many countries, including the U.S., Became more focused on price stabilization, supply management, and
direct support to farmers. The new deal in the U.S. Introduced measures such as subsidies, price supports,
and the establishment of government agencies like the agricultural adjustment administration (AAA) to
regulate production and prevent market crashes.
 HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES ON AGRICULTURAL
POLICY

III. 20TH CENTURY POLICIES: THE RISE OF GOVERNMENT INTERVENTIONS, SUBSIDIES,

AND PRICE SUPPORTS.
• PRICE SUPPORTS AND SUBSIDIES: Governments began to intervene in agricultural markets to stabilize
prices and protect farmers from price volatility. Price supports, guaranteed income programs, and
subsidies were introduced to maintain farm incomes and ensure food supply during times of market
fluctuations.
• GREEN REVOLUTION: The mid-20th century witnessed the green revolution, which involved the
introduction of high-yielding varieties of crops, chemical fertilizers, and modern irrigation techniques.
These innovations led to an increase in global food production, particularly in developing countries, and
spurred further government involvement in agricultural policy to support new technologies
 HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES ON AGRICULTURAL
POLICY

IV. MODERN AGRICULTURAL POLICIES: SUSTAINABILITY, CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION,

AND TECHNOLOGICAL INTEGRATION.
• SUSTAINABILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS: Modern agricultural policies emphasize sustainable
farming practices, including soil conservation, water management, and the reduction of chemical inputs
like pesticides and fertilizers. Governments are implementing regulations and offering incentives for
organic farming and agroecology to minimize environmental impact.
• CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION: As climate change becomes a critical issue, agricultural policies are
evolving to help farmers adapt to changing weather patterns. This includes investments in climate-smart
agriculture, drought-resistant crops, improved irrigation systems, and early warning systems for extreme
weather events.
 HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES ON AGRICULTURAL
POLICY

IV. MODERN AGRICULTURAL POLICIES: SUSTAINABILITY, CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION,

AND TECHNOLOGICAL INTEGRATION.
• TECHNOLOGICAL INTEGRATION: The role of technology in agriculture has grown exponentially in recent
years. Precision agriculture, which uses GPS, sensors, and data analytics to optimize farming practices, is
increasingly part of agricultural policies. Governments support innovation in agricultural technology, such
as the use of drones, AI, and biotechnology, to enhance productivity and address challenges such as water
scarcity and pest management.
 HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES ON AGRICULTURAL
POLICY

IV. MODERN AGRICULTURAL POLICIES: SUSTAINABILITY, CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION,

AND TECHNOLOGICAL INTEGRATION.
• GLOBAL TRADE AND FOOD SECURITY: With an interconnected global economy, modern agricultural
policies must address international trade agreements, food security, and supply chain resilience.
Governments are working to ensure that agricultural markets are stable and food is accessible, especially in
times of crises like pandemics or natural disasters.
• PUBLIC HEALTH AND NUTRITION: Increasingly, agricultural policies are focusing on the nutritional quality
of food, promoting healthier diets, and reducing malnutrition, particularly in low-income areas. Policies
support access to nutritious food and efforts to combat issues such as obesity and foodborne diseases.
AGRICULTURAL POLICY AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE
PHILIPPINES
1. PRE-INDEPENDENCE AND EARLY POLICY DEVELOPMENT (PRE-1946)

•COLONIAL LEGACY: Under spanish and american colonial rule, agricultural policies were
primarily designed to benefit the colonial economy. The focus was on the production of
cash crops (such as sugar, tobacco, and coconut) for export rather than on the food needs
of the local population.

•LAND TENURE SYSTEMS: During this period, land ownership was concentrated in the
hands of a few, often foreign or elite landowners. This disparity led to tenant farming,
and rural poverty became a central issue.
2. POST-INDEPENDENCE ERA AND LAND REFORM INITIATIVES (1946–1970S)

•AGRARIAN REFORM: After the Philippines gained independence in 1946, land reform
became a major concern. The government introduced several initiatives, including land
redistribution programs, to address land inequality and increase agricultural productivity.
However, these reforms were often inefficient, slow, and faced political resistance.

•GREEN REVOLUTION: In the 1960s and 1970s, the government introduced policies that
promoted the green revolution, focusing on the use of high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds,
fertilizers, and modern irrigation techniques. While this increased rice production and
food security, the benefits were not evenly distributed, and small farmers struggled to
keep up with the costs of inputs.
3. ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL SHIFTS IN THE 1980S AND 1990S:

• DEBT CRISIS AND ECONOMIC LIBERALIZATION: During the 1980s, the country faced an
economic crisis and significant debt. This period saw the liberalization of agricultural
trade, reduction of subsidies, and the privatization of state-run farms. These shifts led to
more competition but also undermined the protection of local farmers from global
market fluctuations.

•COMPREHENSIVE AGRARIAN REFORM PROGRAM (CARP): Introduced in 1988 under

president Corazon Aquino, CARP aimed to address the land ownership issues of farmers.
The program redistributed agricultural lands to tenant farmers, although it faced challenges
like delayed implementation, political resistance, and insufficient support services for
4. 2000S TO EARLY 2010S: A FOCUS ON RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND FOOD
SECURITY

•INCREASING FOCUS ON RURAL DEVELOPMENT: By the early 2000s, agricultural policy

began to focus more on rural development. The government sought to improve
infrastructure, such as irrigation, rural roads, and markets, to make farming more
profitable and sustainable.

•FOOD SECURITY: National food security became a priority, and policies aimed to
increase the domestic production of staple crops, particularly rice, which remained a key
concern in the face of natural disasters, trade imbalances, and increasing import
dependency.
5. CURRENT TRENDS: SUSTAINABILITY, TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS, AND POLICY
REFORMS FOR CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION

• Sustainability in agricultural policy: the government is promoting agroecology, organic

farming, soil conservation, and efficient water management practices to reduce
environmental degradation and improve resource use.
• Technological advancements: precision agriculture, including drones, gps-based
farming, biotechnology (e.G., Gmos like bt corn), and ICT tools (such as mobile apps for
market and weather information) are enhancing productivity and resource
management.
5. CURRENT TRENDS: SUSTAINABILITY, TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS, AND POLICY
REFORMS FOR CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION

• Policy reforms for climate change adaptation: climate-smart agriculture is being

encouraged to increase resilience to climate impacts. Disaster-resilient infrastructure,
such as improved irrigation and flood control, along with crop insurance schemes, aim
to mitigate the effects of extreme weather events on farmers.
• Inclusive agricultural growth: the government supports smallholder farmers through
microfinance, credit programs, and training. Policies are also promoting gender
equality by increasing women’s involvement in agriculture through better access to
resources and land.
 GLOBAL CHALLENGES

• HUNGER AND FOOD SECURITY:

Despite progress, nearly 800 million people around the world still suffer from hunger,
and millions more experience food insecurity.
Agriculture is central to addressing this challenge by producing sufficient, nutritious,
and accessible food. Sustainable agricultural practices, improved distribution, and
global trade are essential to enhancing food security.
 GLOBAL CHALLENGES

• CLIMATE CHANGE:
Climate change is one of the most significant threats to global agriculture. Rising
temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, droughts, floods, and extreme weather events
disrupt food production.
Farmers worldwide face challenges in adapting to these changes, and agricultural
systems must be resilient to protect food supplies. Climate-smart agriculture, which
includes sustainable farming practices and advanced technologies, is vital to mitigate
the impact of climate change on global food production.
 GLOBAL CHALLENGES

• SUSTAINABILITY:
Agriculture must also shift toward more sustainable practices to ensure the long-term
viability of food systems. Overuse of natural resources, deforestation, and soil
degradation threaten agricultural productivity.
The shift toward organic farming, agroecology, and innovative technologies like
precision agriculture helps reduce the environmental impact while maintaining high
productivity levels
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!