The National Agriculture and Fisheries Research for Development and Extension Agenda for 2023-2028 charts the DA’s RDE investment strategy to better reflect prime concern for the development and modernization of the agri-fishery sector as a means to realize a food-secure and resilient Philippines with empowered and prosperous farmers and fishers. In employing an extensive stakeholder consultation process, the DA-BAR, in collaboration with the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), put together an expanded portfolio of thematic areas in which the DA can lodge its R4DE investments.

The NAREA provides an updated research agenda for the eight priority commodity groups,considered crucial for food security and expanding economic opportunities in the agri-fishery sector. Recognizing the complexity of issues underlying rural development, it also encourages cross-disciplinary efforts as outlined through the cross-cutting research agenda to understand and help address some of the enduring challenges faced by farmers, fisherfolks, and their communities.

Recognizing the interconnectedness of the commodity and the cross-cutting research areas, some commodity groups include cross-referencing to the cross-cutting thematic areas:

1. enhancing natural resources for agricultural development,
2. advancing the agricultural innovation system,
3. strengthening policy and institutions,
4. ensuring food safety through one health, and
5. assessing and evaluating impacts. The cross-referencing indicates that certain research areas as reflected under the commodity groups may be further elaborated in the discussion of the cross-cutting thematic areas.