The Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS) operates as a specialized division within the Department of Agriculture (DA) of the Philippines, playing a vital role in enhancing the agribusiness environment in the country. Based in Quezon City, AMAS focuses on promoting agricultural trade, market development, and agribusiness investments to strengthen the competitiveness and income of Filipino farmers and fisherfolk.
Core Services and Mandate
AMAS provides strategic support to agricultural stakeholders through the following core services:
- Market Information and Analysis: Collection, analysis, and dissemination of market trends, price movements, and commodity forecasts to guide production and marketing decisions.
- Market Linkage and Product Promotion: Facilitating connections between farmers, producers, and institutional buyers via trade fairs, agribusiness expos, and digital platforms.
- Agribusiness Development: Providing technical assistance and advisory services to farmers and entrepreneurs to establish or expand agribusiness ventures.
- Investment Promotion: Coordinating with investors and development partners to attract agribusiness investments in rural areas.
These services are designed to improve market access, value addition, and income generation in agriculture and fisheries sectors.
Specialization and Unique Value Proposition
AMAS uniquely combines government authority with market-oriented initiatives. It acts as a catalyst for market-driven agriculture by:
- Enabling inclusive value chain development
- Bridging gaps between producers and consumers
- Encouraging private sector partnerships in agribusiness
- Promoting local products through regional and national trade promotion activities
Its national presence and policy alignment give it unparalleled influence in shaping agribusiness outcomes in the Philippines.
Target Stakeholders
The agency targets a wide range of stakeholders including:
- Smallholder farmers and cooperatives
- Micro, small, and medium agribusiness enterprises (MSMEs)
- Agricultural investors and institutional buyers
- Local government units (LGUs) and regional DA offices
AMAS aligns its services with the DA’s goal of achieving food security and improved rural livelihoods.
Operational Capabilities
AMAS operates through central and regional field units, enabling nationwide coverage. Its capabilities include:
- Digital Market Intelligence Systems: Platforms like Agribusiness Online facilitate real-time pricing and product availability data.
- Event Management: Organizes national trade events such as the Agribusiness Trade Fair and Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita.
- Business Matching Programs: Conducts regular buyer-seller meetings and B2B sessions.
- Enterprise Development Support: Offers assistance in business planning, packaging, and labeling for market readiness.
Financial and Impact Metrics
While AMAS operates as a government service and not a revenue-generating entity, its economic impact is significant:
- Over 500 MSMEs supported annually through technical assistance and product promotion.
- More than ₱2 billion worth of agri-trade facilitated in the past 5 years through AMAS-led initiatives.
- 12 regional agribusiness and marketing field offices coordinating localized interventions.
These efforts are funded under the Department of Agriculture’s general appropriation, with additional support from international development partners.
Certifications and Compliance
As a government entity, AMAS adheres to national regulatory standards and is subject to regular audit and performance evaluations by the Commission on Audit (COA) and the Civil Service Commission (CSC).
Recognition and Community Feedback
AMAS has earned recognition for its innovative programs:
- Awarded for Best Government Support to Agribusiness by various farmers’ organizations.
- Featured in public service broadcasts and agribusiness webinars.
- Testimonials from farmer-beneficiaries highlight improved access to high-value markets and business skills development.
Major Achievements
- Successfully launched Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita platforms across multiple regions, increasing farmgate prices by eliminating middlemen.
- Digitized market information system covering over 50 major commodities across all Philippine regions.
- Facilitated agribusiness investment forums that led to joint ventures and public-private partnerships worth over ₱500 million.
The Department of Agriculture - Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service remains a cornerstone of the Philippines’ drive toward sustainable, inclusive, and market-oriented agricultural development.
