The Agriculture and Fisheries (A&F) Policy Research program monitors and evaluates the latest trends and events in relation to agriculture and fisheries research and development. From the latest and relevant empirical data and statistics from the sector, BAR provides inputs and policy recommendations and pertinent documents that address emerging issues and concerns in agriculture and fisheries R&D.

In addition, to its role as the research coordinating agency of the Department of Agriculture, BAR coordinates the conduct of impact assessment studies and socio-economic researches on agriculture and fisheries R&D programs. The outputs of these studies aid in public expenditure prioritization for agricultural research and in the modification of development program implementation processes in order to achieve targets and objectives.

BAR’s A&F Policy Program (AFPP) is likewise responsible for implementing/coordinating with researchers/scientists of leading state universities and colleges (SUCs) and other relevant institutions in the conduct of policy research pertaining to agriculture and fisheries R&D. BAR collects and processes significant primary/ secondary data and information, monitors and evaluates the country’s agriculture/fisheries situation, including market issues, and gives recommendations on the development of comprehensive strategies addressing present and emerging   problems and concerns. AFFP also evaluates house and senate draft bills pertaining to agricultural and fishery research and development and allied concerns and provide resource persons during public hearing deliberations.

The AFPP focuses on three major areas of concern: a) impact assessment and focus - deals with research and study on the  impact of  major R&D programs of the Department of Agriculture on farming and fishing communities and on other stakeholders; b) policy research and analysis – focuses on special studies and continuous research and gathering of information on the latest trends in agriculture and fisheries R&D, including  developments in the global market,  and providing other valuable inputs to the BAR and the Department of Agriculture; and c) R&D Governance and Quality of Science – ensures that agriculture and fisheries R&D is aimed at the intended beneficiaries that would benefit most in terms of  poverty alleviation and at overall increased productivity, first and foremost, for the achievement of the national food security goal.  R&D prioritization based on rational thinking is necessary in order to maximize the use of the limited research resources.

As of 2011, the AFPP has funded and coordinated a total of eight (8) agriculture and fisheries R&D policy researches; two (2) projects of which, review major A&F and related programs and six (6) projects that focus on improving R&D governance and improving the quality of A&F R&D research prioritization. At present, a study on informal international agricultural trade of selected agricultural commodities in the Philippines is being funded. The results of the project intend to serve as basis in formulating policies aimed at curbing informal international trade of selected agricultural products into the country.

As of reporting, a total of 93 policy/concept/technical papers have been prepared by BAR, these serve as policy-recommendations for the Department of Agriculture and the National R&D System for Agriculture and Fisheries (NaRDSAF).