DTI Agusan Norte teaches coffee farmers, IP groups post-harvest skills
By Nora L. Molde
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Coffee farmers and members of indigenous peoples’ organizations from Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, participate in the Department of Trade and Industry’s Coffee Post-Harvest Processing, Handling, and Bean Grading Training under the RAPID Growth Project, aimed at improving coffee quality, strengthening market competitiveness, and increasing farmer incomes. (Photo courtesy of DTI Agusan del Norte) |
Conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) under the Rural Agro-Industrial Partnership for Inclusive Development and Growth (RAPID Growth) Project, the training directly benefited local farmer associations by strengthening their technical and practical competencies in post-harvest processing, an essential component in meeting quality standards and accessing higher-value domestic and export markets. Participants gained hands-on experience in proper harvesting, drying, sorting, and bean grading to reduce post-harvest losses and enhance coffee consistency and value.
Beneficiary groups included the Ansili Tribal Farmers Association, Inc. (ATFAI), Mahaba Mamanwa Indigenous Peoples Organization, Inc. (MAMAMIPO), Bayabas Cabadbaran Cultural Community Organization, Inc. (BCCCOI), and Manhon Agriculture’s Cooperative (MACO).
DTI Agusan del Norte Director Lorijane D. Sacote underscored the importance of quality improvement in strengthening farmer competitiveness and ensuring sustainable livelihoods.
“Coffee quality is not just a matter of taste; it determines the competitiveness of our local farmers in national and international markets. Through proper post-harvest handling and grading, our coffee producers can ensure better market prices and sustainable income,” Dir. Sacote said.
Representatives of the participating farmers and indigenous peoples’ organizations collectively expressed appreciation for the government’s continued support, citing the training as timely and responsive to their needs. “We thank the national government and the Department of Trade and Industry for providing this training. It equips us with the knowledge and skills to improve the quality of our coffee, reduce losses, and better position our products in larger and more competitive markets. This support is a big help to our farmers and communities.”
The activity supports the national government’s thrust to strengthen agri-based value chains and promote inclusive growth, in line with the Philippine Development Plan and the DTI’s MSME Development agenda. Through the RAPID Growth Project, DTI continues to prioritize value-adding interventions that enable smallholder farmers and indigenous communities to move up the value chain and participate more competitively in the coffee industry.
In Cabadbaran City, the RAPID Growth Project has also facilitated the expansion of coffee farms covering 130 hectares, reinforcing efforts to increase productivity while maintaining quality standards demanded by institutional buyers and specialty coffee markets.
DTI remains committed to rolling out industry-focused capacity-building programs nationwide, making local coffee producers competitive contributors to the country’s agri-industrial sector, while advancing rural employment, income generation, and poverty reduction. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)
