Exhibiting at IFEX Philippines 2025

The Department of Agriculture – High Value Crops Development Program (DA-HVCDP) is a specialized national initiative that drives the diversification and commercialization of Philippine agriculture through the development of high-value crops (HVCs). Anchored on increasing rural incomes, enhancing food security, and strengthening agri-industrial linkages, HVCDP is a strategic response to the need for resilient, market-driven, and sustainable farming systems in the country.

Core Business and Objectives

DA-HVCDP is tasked with the development and promotion of crops other than rice and corn, focusing on commodities that offer higher income potential and market demand. These include vegetables, fruits, plantation crops, industrial crops, culinary herbs, spices, and ornamentals.

Program objectives include:

• Increasing production and area of high-value crops nationwide
• Providing market access and enterprise development for farmers
• Enhancing value chain development through mechanization and post-harvest interventions
• Promoting climate-resilient and sustainable production systems

Product and Service Offerings

As a government-led initiative, HVCDP provides extensive support to farmers, cooperatives, and agribusinesses through:

• Crop Variety Development and Distribution:

  • Provision of high-yielding, pest-resistant seed varieties for vegetables, fruit trees, and industrial crops

• Field Machinery and Post-Harvest Equipment Support:

  • Distribution of sprayers, greenhouses, cold storage units, dryers, and processing facilities

• Small-Scale Irrigation Projects (SSIPs):

  • Installation of solar-powered and gravity-based irrigation systems

• Training and Extension Services:

  • Farmer field schools, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification training, and business incubation

• Market Linkages and Trade Support:

  • Participation in agri-trade fairs, support for agri-enterprise clustering, and linkage to KADIWA marketing platforms

• Research and Development:

  • Trials and demonstrations of new technologies in pest management, organic inputs, and climate-smart production systems

Specialization and Core USP

HVCDP distinguishes itself as the core agency in promoting non-traditional crops with high economic returns. Its unique value lies in:

• Focus on Market-Driven Crops: Promotes crops with strong export and local demand such as cacao, coffee, mango, onion, garlic, pineapple, and rubber
• Technology Integration: Promotes use of smart greenhouses, automated irrigation, and value-added processing
• Value Chain Orientation: Intervenes across production, postharvest, processing, and marketing

Financials

Funded under the General Appropriations Act (GAA), HVCDP channels resources to regional field offices, SUCs, and LGU partners:

• Annual Budget (2023): PHP 2.2 billion allocated across program components and regional activities
• Beneficiaries: Over 600,000 farmers supported through seeds, equipment, and training between 2020–2023

Shipment and International Exposure

Though DA-HVCDP is not directly involved in exports, its programs enhance the export-readiness of HVCs such as banana, mango, pineapple, coffee, and cacao:

• Enabled participation in major trade events like IFEX Philippines and SIAL ASEAN
• Support for exporters in achieving GAP and Organic certifications
• Assisted cacao and coffee growers in meeting quality standards for global markets

Target Market

• Small and Medium Farmers (SMFs)
• Agricultural Cooperatives and Farmer Associations
• Agri-Entrepreneurs and Food Processors
• Exporters of High-Value Crops
• Local Government Units and SUCs

Capabilities

• National Network of Implementing Units: Operates through DA Regional Field Offices and Agricultural Training Institutes (ATIs)
• Monitoring and Evaluation System: Tracks project performance and adoption rates
• Public-Private Partnerships: Leverages alliances with NGOs, agribusinesses, and certification bodies

Certifications and Compliance

• Promotes and facilitates compliance with:
  • PhilGAP Certification
  • Organic Certification (RA 10068 and RA 11511)
  • Codex Alimentarius for food safety compliance

Customer Testimonials

• "Through HVCDP, our cooperative was able to scale up garlic production and access a solar irrigation system." — Farmer Leader, Ilocos Norte
• "The equipment and training from HVCDP improved our mango quality and allowed us to export to Japan." — Agripreneur, Guimaras

Major Achievements

• Increased vegetable production area by 15% across five major regions (2020–2023)
• Distributed over 20,000 post-harvest units and farm tools to beneficiaries
• Funded over 400 Small-Scale Irrigation Projects (SSIPs) to improve water efficiency
• Enabled formation of over 100 agri-enterprises through clustering and value chain development
• Contributed significantly to national output in coffee, cacao, onion, and mango production

The DA-HVCDP continues to play a vital role in modernizing Philippine agriculture, empowering farmers with resources and knowledge to succeed in a competitive, climate-sensitive, and value-driven market landscape.