|
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
DTI Kalinga helps farmers acquire organic coffee tag
Due to increasing demand here and abroad, Kalinga is gearing towards organic coffee production.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Kalinga is helping local farmers grow coffee the organic way.
Organic coffee farming is being piloted in three areas—one site in Pinukpuk town and two in Upper Tabuk.
The technology is in line with the “One Town, One Product” program of the government and is in response to the global trend on the use of organic products.
A growing number of consumers in Europe and the United States are advocating for the production of organic goods, which are grown without using chemical fertilizers.
Markets
Noryn Bagano of DTI Kalinga said markets in Europe, the US and in other parts of the world are waiting for Kalinga coffee.
Bagano said there is a pending application for organic certification of the Kalinga coffee with EcoCert, an international certifying body, and the Organic Certification Center of the Philippines.
Among the requirements for the certification are the installation of an international quality control system in the production area, conduct of adequate training for coffee farmers and a series of product inspections.
Coffee is one of Kalinga’s major cash crops. In 2003, the province produced about 2.46 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.
Varieties
Kalinga coffee comes in three varieties—Robusta, Arabica and Excelsa. Robusta thrives well in lower Tabuk because of the area’s warm climate while Ara-bica and Excelsa grow better in the upper towns of the province due to cooler surroundings.
Excelsa and Arabica, because of their strong and distinct flavor, are much sought by coffee lovers in the Middle East.
There is also Kalinga Brew. (Sun.Star Baguio/Sunnex)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (June 14, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
SUPERBALITA
WEEKEND
|
