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| The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 8 held the Agribusiness Investment Forum on Coffee and Cacao on September 12-14, 2022, at the Ametel Hotel in Basey, Samar. Photo: DA-8 |
The Department of Agriculture - Regional Field Office 8 through the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) hosted the Agribusiness Investment Forum on Coffee and Cacao on September 12-14, 2022, at the Ametel Hotel in Basey, Samar.
Cacao and coffee farmers from Samar Province's municipalities of Basey, Calbiga, and Paranas attended the three-day seminar.
Mr. Francisco D. Ocado, Supervising Agriculturist, emphasized during the opening program that farmers should produce market-driven crops and follow market standards. He said that the activity would equip local farmers with recommended production technologies and make them aware of various government subsidies and market opportunities in coffee and cacao.
Ms. Lina P. Gayon, Municipal Agriculturist of Basey, welcomed the group to the activity and encouraged the farmers to use the learnings and opportunities to be discussed for the development of their farm enterprises.
Mr. John Rodulf Desdechado, Agriculturist II, served as a resource person on the cultural management practices of cacao and coffee production.
Local buyers and processors, namely the Coffee Barracks in Palo, Leyte, and the Buhay Chocolate in Tanauan, Leyte, were also invited to assist the farmers in marketing their produce. It was revealed that they buy raw materials from Luzon and Mindanao but are open to purchasing local farmers' harvests.
Representatives from the LandBank, the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), and the Philippine Crops Insurance Corporation (PCIC) were also present to discuss farmers' financing and lending programs.
Aside from the lecture, the participants visited two local farm sites to observe and make recommendations on how to improve farm practices.