PCAARRD Banner Programs

Strategic Research and Development (R&D) is the formative banner program, setting the trend for other S&T activities through its three components, namely: R&D agenda, development and maintenance of R&D information systems, and packaging of science-based information materials.

Component:

• R&D Agenda
  The R&D agenda of the crops, livestock and forestry sectors were basically derived from 10 Industry Strategic Plans (ISPs) crafted by PCARRD in collaboration with the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST). The ISPs are for the following industry clusters: export fruit crops, vegetables, legumes and root crops, coffee and abaca, coconut and oil palm, ornamentals, rice and white corn, sugarcane, swine-poultry-yellow corn, pasture-ruminants, and forestry.
  
  The initial ISP-derived R&D agenda in AFNR were presented to various stakeholders during a series of participatory consultations undertaken from May to October 2006 throughout the Philippines. The various concerns and interests of the stakeholders from the 14 regional consortia were integrated into the initial document.
  
  The final integrated R&D agenda includes 31 specific commodities under the 10 industry clusters across 14 geographical regions. Implementation of the R&D agenda is expected to generate 101 products ranging from planting materials to ecotourism sites that cater to the particular needs of the five thematic program areas. The 31 commodities are further classified into major and minor commodities based on the regional interest and product niches. A commodity is recognized as major when six or more consortia have expressed commitment to support and carry out the commodity's R&D activities. Minor commodities are those included in the regional R&D agenda of less than six consortia.

• Development and maintenance of R&D information systems
  PCARRD will continue to provide timely, reliable and relevant data and information to its clients and beneficiaries. Particularly, it will provide information related to the generation and dissemination of technologies and products envisioned to be attained by 2010. Development and maintenance of needed information systems will be the major support activities.

• Packaging of science-based information materials
  Information and technologies generated by the R&D programs and activities will continue to be disseminated to appropriate users in usable form and format.

Beyond R&D work to develop products and services, the institutionalization of delivery channels is a critical must to ensure that R&D and Innovation results will be fully harnessed to improve the productivity of the agri-aqua and natural resources sectors.

To strengthen its technology utilization program, PCAARRD has initiated and adopted three (3) critical technology transfer modalities such as commercialization, deployment, and extension. These will ensure that the outputs of R &D, and innovation will be transformed into viable and applicable technologies that would help farmers, and fisherfolks and entrepreneurs improve existing practices thus, improve their productivity, and production capacity. As part of these modalities, the following programs are funded and coordinated:

• DOST-PCAARRD Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubation (ATBI)
• Science for the Convergence of Agriculture and Tourism (SciCAT)
• Intellectual Property and Technology Business Management (IP-TBM)
• Agri-Aqua Food Value Chain
• Science and Technology-Based Farms (STBF)
• Science & Technology Model Farm (STMF)
• TechnoMart (TM)
• Science and Technology Community-Based Farms (STCBF)
• S&T Action Frontline for Emergencies and Hazards Program (SAFE)
• Science and Technology Community-based Program for Inclusive Development (STC4iD)

PCAARRD ensures that the policy environment is conducive for S&T development and investment in the AANR sectors. It thus continues to conduct analysis and advocacy on macro policy issues that impact significantly on the AANR sectors.

Its areas of concern include global competitiveness, agricultural land use and agrarian reform, food security and poverty alleviation, natural resources sustainability and environment fertility, agricultural inputs and support services, crops, livestock, forestry and environment, agricultural resources management, and others.

Essentially, new governance approaches are being explored to enhance the R&D systems management. The Council strengthens R&D accountability within the NAARRDS and the organization itself to ensure results and impacts from limited R&D funds.

It continues to explore new strategies in the following areas:

• DOST-DA-DENR RDE Convergence
• Centers of Research Excellence
• Regional R&D Management
• Capability Building
• Generating Resources and Linkaging
• Enhancing Accountability
• Harnessing ICT and IEC
• Knowledge and Technology Management