This study has the overall objective of assisting the Government of the Philippines in formulating sound operational policies and strategies (overall and by commodity) to further develop its comparative advantage in tree crop production, and marketing and processing within a rural development and farming systems framework. It focuses on policies which will expand the options of smallholders for sustainable increases in income and employment, as well as crop diversification. The study will identify priority strategies and supporting actions (especially the policy, institutional, and financing biases against tree crops which need to be removed) needed to encourage expanded and successful tree crop production and associated marketing and further processing activities. Special attention is devoted to working out viable financing mechanisms and strong linkages with appropriate management and enterprise arrangements and other supporting actions. The study also aims to support the implementation of the Government ' s Agricultural and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA) and the modernized agriculture for the masses program, which are being given special impetus by the new government. Given the neglect of tree crops, the study ' s participatory approach also has aimed at encouraging a Filipino-led initiative to further operationalize the recommended actions.
