The Department of Science and Technology met with officials and representatives from the Cacao Growers and Processors of Baguio-Benguet Federation, Provincial Agriculture Office of Benguet, Department of Agriculture-Cordillera, Department of Trade and Industry Baguio-Benguet to focus on addressing the farmers’ technical needs through the DOST-Consultancy for Agriculture Productivity Enhancement (CAPE).
Brent Atew of the Office of the Provincial Agriculture-Benguet presented trainings and technical assistance while trainors from the DA and DTI shared their various efforts in support of the local cacao industry such as distribution of fertilizers and establishment of a shared service facility for cacao.
As a way forward, the DOST-CAPE will benefit farmers to include consultancy on production, technology needs, and post-harvest.
Research and development initiatives in cacao processing, especially on the fermentation process, are also eyed in partnership with R&D institutes.
The cacao industry has long been existing in Benguet but productivity remains a concern. In 2016, the provincial government through the initiative of the former Gov. Cresencio Pacalso started the development of the cacao industry and allotted funds for distribution of grafted cacao seedlings starting in 2017. – Press release
April 25, 2024
