In order to further increase the level of awareness on coffee quality and processing standards in the province of Cavite towards the continuous improvement and growth of the industry, a study on coffee production and quality, supported by the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) was presented to various stakeholders at the Cavite State University (CvSU) on April 27, 2022.

Conducted by Dra. Analita Magsino, Dr. Eufemio Barcelon, and Jason Braga of the CvSU, the study commenced in 2020, with funds amounting to PhP1 million from the Sub Component 1.2 Investments in Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Plan Planning at the Local and National Levels (I-PLAN) of the PRDP. The fund covered the key expenses of the study in data gathering and analysis, laboratory testing, interviews and meetings, training, and production and distribution of IEC materials. The DA-PRDP also provided technical assistance and liaised with the researchers.

The study was primarily aimed to evaluate the quality of coffee, processing methods, and cupping in Cavite, and to capacitate small-scale producers and processors on good agricultural and manufacturing practices.

It was revealed in the study that the Cavite coffee industry needs further support in terms of production and marketing, and that coffee farmers need further knowledge in the proper handling and processing of coffee to improve the quality and profitability of their products. Data was gathered from 352 coffee farmers and at least ten coffee traders in Cavite.

Dra. Magsino hopes that the study will be able to aid farmers in the growth of the coffee industry in the province.

“The boom of coffee businesses in Cavite has become very evident today and in recent years. However, some of these businesses are using imported coffee instead of our local produce. Farmers are also finding it hard to earn more because buyers are deciding the price of their produce. Through this study, we hope that we can help in addressing these issues. By helping our producers become more aware and conscientious in their endeavors, we hope that coffee production and quality will improve in the province which will also translate to growth in their profit and in the coffee industry,” Dra. Magsino explained.

Coffee farmer leaders, Local Government Units (LGUs), and the DA-PRDP team provided insights on the study and how to further improve the coffee industry in Cavite. Some of the things discussed are the advantages of being Good Agricultural and Manufacturing Practices-certified, policy recommendations in coffee production, processing, and marketing, and increasing the participation of farmer associations in coffee production and processing standards.

CvSU Director for Extension Services Dr. Almira Magcawas cited the importance of the study in order to determine issues experienced by stakeholders, as well as further improvement of the overall industry.

The DA-PRDP I-PLAN also provided further recommendations to the researchers for their terminal report. Upon completion, the study will be of valuable use to the DA-PRDP in developing value chain analysis, provincial commodity investment plans, and many more.  (My Bejasa, DA-PRDP RPCO CALABARZON InfoACE Unit)

Participants of the activity, “Cavite Coffee Research Utilization”

Cavite Coffee Research Utilization presentation led by Dra. Analita Magsino

Dra. Analita Magsino, Dr. Eufemio Barcelon, and Jason Braga of CvSU pose for a photo along with a participant