AMPAYON, Butuan City – Filipinos are known to be great consumers of coffee, that is why the Philippine coffee industry has found more room to grow. To further strengthened its commitment to help coffee farmers the needed support in terms of production technology, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI-RTC 13) conducted a Training Course on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) on Coffee Production on July 17 - 19, 2019 at San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila Pastoral Center, Ampayon, Butuan City.

Thirty (30) participants comprised of Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) and Farmers from the different municipalities of the region attended the said training.

The training gave emphasis on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for Coffee Production and on Farm Management Requirements for Fine Robusta Production.

Engr. Joel M. Laure, HVCDP Focal Person discussed the Cultural Management Practices for Coffee in relation to GAP; fine management requirements for fine robusta coffee production discussed by Mark Anthony A. Balahay - a local consultant, coffee processor and a license International Coffee "Q" Grader of True Brew Gourmet coffee shop.

Ms. Mehinel M. Maste, one of the trained AEWs said in her impression that, “It was very enjoyable, fruitful and effective training course. Personally, I've established my own farm. I scouted commodity to plant and now this training gives me an idea that could bring on my farm to have greener pasture in the future. To my colleagues, please disseminate this idea to our fellows so that we can gain more profits and higher income. I learned that before you can get higher production, first you have to meet the nutrition needed by the plants. In my case, I’ve gathered a lot of technology, especially in coffee production up to market linkages. We need to know our market and consumer and we should know their wants”.

The training concluded as participants enjoyed the triangulation and cupping activities.