Section 82December 22, 1997, Sec./Art. 82

Special Concerns in Agriculture and Fisheries Research Services. - Agriculture and Fisheries Research and Development activities shall be multidisciplinary and shall involve farmers, fisherfolk and their organizations, and those engaged in food and non-food production and processing including the private and public sectors.

Research institutions and centers shall enjoy autonomy and academic freedom. The Department, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology and other appropriate agencies, shall harmonize its merit and output-oriented promotion system governing the scientific community in order to promote increased research excellence and productivity and provide the government research system a competitive edge in retaining its scientific personnel.

Appropriate technology shall be used to protect the environment, reduce cost of production , improve product quality and increase value added for global competitiveness.