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Iloilo City \u2014 \u201cWe must adapt to new technologies,\u201d said Engr. Buen Mondejar, the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) Western Visayas Chairperson, during his speech at the first-ever Coffee and Cacao Summit in Iloilo City on August 9, 2024.<\/p>\n
To revitalize the region\u2018s coffee and cacao industries, the Department of Agriculture-黑料网 (DA-PCAF) partnered with the Panay Organization for Progressive Agriculture (POPA) Cooperative to invite over 150 coffee and cacao farmers to address critical issues affecting production and supply and explore strategies to boost regional production.<\/p>\n
In his speech, Mondejar advised participants to \u201capply science in farming,\u201d especially since El Ni\u00f1o threatens the region’s coffee and cacao production.<\/p>\n
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Themed “CoCa Summit: Combating the Challenges of Our Times,\u201d PCAF OIC Executive Director Julieta E. Opulencia emphasized that the summit is part of the agency\u2019s commitment to engaging more agriculture stakeholders in public consultations.<\/p>\n
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\u201cBy bringing together key stakeholders, including farmers, traders, and various government agencies, this summit provides a unique opportunity to assess the current state of the coffee and cacao industry, identify pressing challenges, and develop effective solutions,\u201d said Opulencia.<\/p>\n
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Meanwhile, Regional Executive Director Dennis Arpia, represented by Zarlina Cuello, Regional Technical Director of Western Visayas, expressed appreciation for the partnership and the opportunity to support agricultural development in the region.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe thank [our private stakeholders] for engaging in this kind of dialogue to collaboratively discuss sector challenges, share best practices, and develop actionable solutions,\u201d said RTD Cuello.<\/p>\n
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Among the featured speakers was Angelica Zafica, the RAFC 11 sectoral representative on International Trade, who stressed the need for farmers to adopt international standards for planting and harvesting coffee to achieve the highest possible market prices.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe price of robusta beans in the local market is PhP250 per kilo, but there is a significant opportunity for farmers to tap into international markets where they can command higher prices,\u201d Zafica said.<\/p>\n
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The CoCa summit served as a precursor to the Visayas-wide AFC Stakeholders Conference, which will be held in Iloilo City from August 14 to 15, 2024.<\/p>\n