A way forward is to facilitate the development of agri-food processing industry that could capitalise on the cheap raw materials in the region for the manufacturing of export oriented and value-added agri-food products. In this way, agriculture will no longer wallow in the backwater, but transform into a vibrant, market-driven agribusiness.

In cognisant of the need to bring agribusiness into the fold of the economic mainstream, the Department of Agriculture is committed to re-invent itself to better serve the needs of the agricultural sector.

We set sight on consolidating our efforts to forge a common developmental path that would build upon our past successes, while continue to innovate and explore other less trodden pathways. In this context, we will continue to provide all the support services that are more effective and comply with international agreements. This is to further strengthen the primary production sectors and to develop the agri-food processing industry by creating a conductive macro-business environment that is attractive for investments.

In doing so, we will loop in primary production activities together with the processing or agri-food manufacturing, trading of agricultural inputs, trading of agricultural produce as well as a host of other allied services and activities. There are already signs suggesting such a paradigm shift with the dawning of large scale poultry farming, modern food manufacturing and food-based professional services.

Having reevaluated our position, we are currently working on improving the system implementation in the department. This includes re-assessing our agricultural policies, supportive programmes, marketing system, legislations and other matters that affect the progress of this new direction.

We see our roles in a new light with full confidence. With God’s will, we will lead the agricultural sector through the twenty-first century and come out looking good, not only in meeting our food security needs, but also to provide business prospects and employment opportunities for the people of Brunei Darussalam.