About Us

The Center for Food and Agri Business (CFA) is the agri-food research and instruction arm of the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P).

Starting in 1983 as a research unit, it is now a leading center for agri-food economics and agribusiness research in the Philippines.

It conducts various studies and initiatives geared towards enhancing the competitiveness of the agri-food sector. It interacts with the various stakeholders through its executive briefings, conferences, short courses and publications.

The CFA has an extensive network of contacts having worked with a wide array of clients comprising international organizations, multinational and local companies, industry associations, national government agencies, local government units, and non-government organizations.

Beginnings

The CFA traces its roots to the Agribusiness Unit of the Center for Research and Communication (CRC), the forerunner of the UA&P. The unit began in 1983 with two staff members, Rolando T. Dy and Rene C. Gayo, as a pioneering group in food and agribusiness research in CRC. It evolved into the Institute of Agribusiness Development and Policy in 1995.

In 1997, it was renamed as the Center for Food and Agri Business.

Today, the CFA is one of the more established agri-food research institutions in the country.

Mission

To make a difference in the agri-food sector by:

Undertaking research towards global competitiveness;
Developing human resources who will serve as catalysts for development; and
Pursuing training and extension programs.

Vision

A leading institution in agri-food education, training and research

Research and Projects Capability

Agriculture
Food and agri business
Industry analysis
Demand / Supply analysis and forecasting
Supply/Value chain analysis
Benchmarking
Competitiveness analysis
Roadmaps
Policy analysis
Special studies
Seminar/Conference Convener

The CFA Staff has worked with the following clients:

International

Asian Development Bank, Codespa Foundation, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade-Australia, Food and Agriculture Organization, GIZ (formerly GTZ), International Trade Strategies Pty Ltd.-Australia, Italian Trade Commission, Japan External Trade Organization, Nimmo Bell and Company Ltd, The World Bank, USDA, USAID, etc.

Local

Congressional Oversight Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization, Department of Agriculture, Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food, Inc. Philippine Development Assistance Programme, Inc., Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization, Philippine Sugar Alliance, Sugar Regulatory Administration, Seaweed Industry Association of the Philippines, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Tuna Canners Association of the Philippines, etc.

What We Do

Aside from research works, we also disseminate information on agri-food sector to different stakeholders through the following:

Publications

Transforming agribusiness: Staying relevant in a changing world
CFA Briefer (online articles on food and agribusiness)
Food and Agri Business Monitor (discontinued monthly publication)
Agribusiness: Pathways to prosperity (Sold out)
Agribusiness and Rural Progress (Sold out)
Agriculture and Inclusive Growth (Sold out)
The Business of Agribusiness (Sold out)