Agriculture.ph Blog

DA and Nestlè to promote coffee farming

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been forged between the Department of Agriculture and Nestlè Philippines, Inc. to promote coffee production in the Phhilippines.

Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap and Nestlè chairman and CEO Nandu Nandkishore led DA and NPI officials in signing the MOU at the Nestlè Experimental and Demonstration Farm (NEDF) in Tagum City, Davao del Norte recently.

The MOU sets the foundation for a nationwide coffee development program.

Under the program, the DA will provide appropriate coffee services that will improve farm productivity, profitability, market competitiveness and long-term sustainability.

Nestlè in turn will support the DA’s development program through technical assistance in the areas of coffee production and post-production, including green coffee technology and training.

The MOU states that the DA and NPI will undertake a “joint technical and commercial cooperation and scientific exchange program that encompasses projects for the development of the coffee industry.”

These would include the joint development of green coffee production and marketing; expansion and development of areas for new coffee plantings; rehabilitation of coffee farms; establishment of coffee gardens and nurseries; and tissue culture centers for somatic embryogenesis.

Both parties have also agreed to work together in establishing a coffee institute or center. This will serve as the hub for technical and training support to various coffee stakeholders, including farmers under the mentorship of local and international coffee experts..

After the MOU was signed, guests attended a video presentation that showcased several NPI initiatives that are helping the Filipino coffee farmer and the whole coffee farming industry.

These initiatives include establishing Nestlè’s nationwide buying stations which buy coffee farmers’ harvests at world standard prices; the Nestlè Experimental and Demonstration farm which provides free training on the scientific methods of growing quality coffee. These methods also teach the importance of good crop management, among others.

Guests later toured the NEDF facilities and participated in a ceremonial tree planting activity with the DA, local government officials, and NPI executives. At the end of the program, coffee planting materials were handed over to Davao’s coffee farming communities.

Source: www.mb.com.ph