AgNor coffee farmers excel at the Caraga Coffee Festival 2023
BUTUAN CITY -- In a resounding testament of their dedication and craftsmanship, the Agusan del Norte coffee farmers emerged triumphant at the prestigious Caraga Coffee Quality Competition 2023 as evaluated by quality graders of ACDI VOCA PhilCafe. This grand recognition was a major activity under the Caraga Coffee Festival 2023 that took place on September 8, 2023 at the South Atrium Robinsons Place Butuan.
The festival inspired and recognized the best robusta coffee beans in the region. It also encouraged local farmers and producers to consistently produce high-quality coffee, offering them better prices and well-deserved recognition.
Amidst stiff competition, Gregorio Buntag of the Casiklan Wheels Farmers Association, Inc (CAWFAI) clinched the coveted first place, boasting an impressive cupping score of 83.07%. His exceptional achievement underscored the remarkable potential of the Caraga region's coffee industry.
The Agusan del Norte coffee farmers also made lasting impression in the competition through noteworthy rankings during the competition, as reflection of their unwavering dedication and love for growing exceptional coffee beans, to wit:
•The CAWFAI Demo Farm came in fifth place with an impressive cupping
score of 81.82%;
•Gina Mandreza, also from SAFABAI, secured the sixth place with a
notable cupping score of 81.79%;
•Josephine Brao of the Simbalan Farmers Agriculture Cooperative (SIFACO)
landed on the tenth place with a respectable cupping score of 80.91%; and
•Edwin Retostos from SAFABAI who showcased their skills and secured the
eleventh place.
These triumphant farmers now set their sights on competing in the prestigious 2024 Philippine Cupping Quality Competition.
As the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, the festival concluded, leaving a lasting impact and promising a brighter future for coffee community in Caraga. Through their pursuit of excellence, these farmers not only earned well-deserved awards but have also laid the foundation for a thriving coffee industry in the heart of Caraga. (Fevi Silvosa, DTI Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)
