THE CREATION OF FPA

In 1972-1973, the country was
beset
by rice production shortfalls resulting from the series of typhoons and
floods and fertilizer shortages spawned by the oil crisis. The
resulting
four-fold drop in rice production prompted the government to directly
intervene
in the operations of the fertilizer industry through the issuance of
Presidential
Decree (P.D.) No. 135 dated 22 February 1973, creating the Fertilizer
Industry
Authority (FIA). Fertilizer and pesticide are vital agricultual inputs
in food production and must be supplied in adequate quantities at
reasonable
costs at all times. The fertilizer and pesticide industries have much
in
common in terms of clientele, distribution channels, system of
application
in farmers' fields and technical supervision by the same farm
management
technicians under the government's food production program. In view
hereof,
the government abolished the FIA and created the Fertilizer and
Pesticide
Authority on 30 May 1977 by virtue of P.D. 1144. The FPA is mandated to
assure adequate supplies of fertilizer and pesticide at reasonable
prices;
rationalize the manufacture and marketing of fertilizer; protect the
public
from the risks inherent in the use of pesticides; and educate the
agricultural
sector in the use of these inputs. It is attached to the Department of
Agriculture.
FPA's Vision
Sustained agricultural
productivity
in a wholesome environment through integrated plant nutrients
management
and safe crop protection systems.
FPA's Mission
To be a catalyst in the
empowerment
of farmers and fisherfolk by helping them become better informed, and
more
efficient and conscientious in the management of their plant nutrition
and crop protection requirements and preservation of marine and aquatic
resources.
Strategic Thrusts
-
Integrated Plant Nutrition
System [IPNS]
-a systematic approach that relates plant nutrition needs to actual
soil
fertility condition.
-
Integrated Crop Protection
System [ICPS]
-wholistic crop protection system that relates farm productivity to the
protection of human health and the environment.
-
Empowerment of Farmers/
Fisherfolk
- helping farmers/fisherfolk become more self-reliant in meeting their
needs for vital agricultural inputs.
-
Close Networking with
Stakeholders
in Achieving Sustainable Farm Productivity thru IPNS & ICPS.
Program Thrusts

-
Empower farmers/fisherfolk
-
Protect human health and the
environment
-
Use indigenous resources
-
Develop and sustain
partnership with
all stakeholders
Institutional Activities

-
Regulation of the fertilizer
and pesticide
industries
- efficacy and quality standards
- environmental impact
- product safety and
agri-occupational
health
- Outreach services for
farmers/ fisherfolk
- plant Health Clinics
- on-site capability-building
programs
- R & D
- organic fertilizers
- natural pesticides
- Monitoring of pesticide
residues in
selected crops
-
Public Information Campaign
- health and environmental
information
- techno-tips
- Crop Pest Infestation
Monitoring