DOST-CAR hosted a meeting on February 4, 2022 with officials and representatives from the Cacao Growers and Processors of Baguio-Benguet Federation (CGPBBF), Local Government of Unit of Benguet- Provincial Agriculture Office, Department of Agriculture- Cordillera Regional Field Operation (DA-RFO), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Baguio-Benguet, zeroing in on addressing the farmers’ technical needs through the DOST- Consultancy for Agriculture Productivity Enhancement (CAPE).
Mr. Brent Atew of the Office of the Provincial Agriculture-Benguet presented further 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 the move to establish 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. Also, Research and Development initiatives in cacao processing, especially on the fermentation process, is being eyed in partnership with Research and Development Institutes.
The cacao industry has long been existing in the province of Benguet, however, productivity remains a concern. In 2016, the PLGU-Benguet, through the initiative of the former Benguet Governor Cresencio Pacalso, started the development of the cacao industry and allotted funds for distribution of grafted cacao seedlings starting in 2017.
