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Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Kalinga coffee going organic
BECAUSE of increasing demand and the availability of the market here and abroad, Kalinga is gearing towards getting organic on its renowned Kalinga coffee, which has gained value for its delectable aroma and taste.
Through the efforts of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Kalinga, coffee farming in the province is becoming organic and is now being piloted in three identified areas - one site in Pinukpuk town and two in Upper Tabuk.
This new technology on coffee is in line with the "one town, one product" program of the government and the global trend, which has high demand for organic products.
Today, there is the advocacy about organic farming with the essence of nurturing the soil with un-harmful fertilizers and pesticides and in return, will produce products very safe for human consumption.
DTI-Kalinga Noryn Bagano said ready markets in Europe, the US and other parts of the world await the Kalinga coffee, once it gets certified as organic.
As such, there is an ongoing organic certification of the Kalinga coffee being done by EcoCert, an international certifying body and the Organic Certification Center of the Phil. (OCCP).
Before issuing the certification, certain requirements have to be met like the installation of the international quality control system in the area, conduct of adequate training on coffee farmers and series of product inspection.
Coffee is one of Kalinga's major cash crops. In 2003, the province produced about 2.460 metric tons or 70 percent of the Cordilleras' total production. At least 8,345 hectares is planted to coffee, and still a wide area is open for expansion.
At the local market, a kilo of good dry coffee sells from P45 to P55.
Kalinga coffee comes in three varieties - Robusta, Arabica and Excelsa. Robusta thrives well in lower Tabuk because of its warmer climate while Arabica and Excelsa are better grown in the upper towns of the province due to cooler climate.
Excelsa and Arabica, because of their strong and distinct flavor, are much sought by coffee lovers from the Middle East.
There is also a perfect blend of the three - the Kalinga Brew - now found in markets, locally and abroad, and sold in 500-gram packs. This is a product of unique roasting and grinding, which is the secret of the aromatic and tasty Kalinga coffee.
(June 13, 2006 issue)
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