DILIMAN, Quezon City—Some 10 coffee farmers from different parts of the country are now set to help advance the industry after completing a two-week training program on coffee farming and enterprise.

The training program was conceived through the joint efforts of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), PT Mayora Indah TBK, and Philippine Coffee Board, Inc. (PCBI). It was conducted to address the insufficient supply of coffee in the Philippines, leading to high importation rate from neighboring Southeast Asian countries.

ATI Director Alfredo Aton emphasized the need to shift the focus of the Philippine coffee industry to a business-centric approach as he spoke during the opening program. This is in line with the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) thrust to help increase the overall productivity and income of the farmers and fishers.

“The Institute has already implemented various training programs on crop production, and this year, we are now focusing on helping beneficiaries operate in the entire agricultural value chain, from production, processing, and up to marketing,” he said.

Meanwhile, DA Undersecretary for Operations Ariel Cayanan graced the culmination activity for the training program. He urged the coffee farmers to sustain their initiatives in the coffee industry, especially now that they have undergone skills development.

“There are more steps ahead for the development of the industry and, for you to continue progressing, you need consistency and resilience,” he said.

Moreover, PCBI President and Co-Chair Pacita Juan expressed the organization’s support in terms of providing relevant network for the coffee farmers.

Prior to their graduation ceremony, the participants met with Agriculture Secretary William Dar. He encouraged them to develop their respective farm business proposals, and avail of the applicable loan programs of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council.

During their two-week activity, the participants were provided with knowledge on coffee production and enterprise based on 10 modules. Specifically, these are Coffee Industry Situationer; Crop Establishment; Coffee Production and Management; Post-Harvest; Financial Literacy and Farm Record Keeping; Coffee as a Business; Market Opportunities and Market Matching; Philippine Standards for Coffee Beans; Good Agricultural Practices for Fruits and Vegetables; and Food Safety and Halal for Food Crops.

Likewise, the participants visited some successful coffee farms in Kalinga and Cavite as part of program. The activity was held last February 10-21 at the ATI Rural Development and Education Center in this city.