PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS

Crop Research and Development

Conducts research studies on abaca and other fibercrops on crop improvement, cultural management and crop protection at FIDA experiment stations and farmer-cooperators' field; Provides famers with packages of proven production technologies; Propagates disease tolerant High Yielding Varieties (HYVs) through tissue culture method for distribution to farmers.

Fiber Technology Utilization

Studies the expansion and development of new uses of Philippine fibers; Works on the improvement of existing fiber extraction and processing technology.

Market Research and Development

Undertakes research and trade promotion through participation in international and local trade fairs and exhibits to expand the market for Philippine fibers and fiber-based products Undertakes market researches to support or validate the authority's action programs on marketing-related policies Extends assistance to various industry clientele through information dissemination, organization and strengthening of farmers cooperatives, establishment of direct marketing tie-up between producers and buyers to ensure producers of a ready market and buyers of a steady supply at prices acceptable to both parties

Standardization, Standard Enforcement and Licensing

Undertakes strict enforcement of fiber standards through vigilant supervision of fiber grading and baling operations Sustained the campaign for the registration and licensing of those involved in fiber trading and processing to weed the industry of unscrupulous traders and exporters. Conducts researches on standardization to establish parameters for identification of the various Philippine indigenous fibers

The Authority continued the implementation of programs funded by foreign institutions and program directorates of the Department of Agriculture.

SUSTAINABLE RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT OF ABACA DISEASE IN THE BICOL AND EASTERN VISAYAS

Funded under the RP-Japan Increased Food Production Program through the National Agriculture and Fishery Council (NAFC) of the Department of Agriculture, this Project aims to improve the livelihood conditions of farmers by increasing farm productivity through the development of technical skills, disease treatment, abaca virus detection and in-vitro production and distribution of abaca disease-free planting materials.

ABACA: IMPROVEMENT OF FIBER EXTRACTION AND IDENTIFICATION OF HIGHER YIELDING VARIETIES

The Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) funds this five-year project through the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). It aims to increase abaca fiber yieald through the improvement of fiber extraction methods and the use of high yielding disease resistant varieties.

PRODUCTION OF PLANTING MATERIALS AND DEVELOPMENT/IMPROVEMENT OF ABACA FIBER EXTRACTION FACILITIES

This one-year project implemented in April 2000 is funded by the Department of Agriculture through the HVCC Program. It aims to increase farmers' income by improving fiber yield with the use of disease-free planting materials and improvement in fiber quality through the mechanization of abaca fiber extraction.

ESTABLISHMENT OF INTEGRATED ABACA STRIPPING AND DRYING FACILITIES (GMA-HVCCP)

The Department of Agriculture provided the funds for this project through the High Value Commercial Crops Program (HVCCP). The project aims to increase farmers' income by improving fiber quality through the mechanization of abaca fiber extraction.

COIR-BASED BUILDING AND PACKAGING MATERIALS

Jointly funded by the Agrotechnological Research Institute (ATO-DLO), FAO-Intergovernmental Group on Hard Fibers, FIDA and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), this project aims to determine the feasibility of extraction of coir using the fiber isolation method and its use for the production of high quality coir fiber.

COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION OF DECORTICATED PINEAPPLE FIBER

Funded by the Garments and Textile Export Board, this project will promote the commercial production of piña fiber intended for textile use.