NEARLY 500 specialty coffee farmers will be aided with skills training and seminars to boost the coffee industry and promote specialty coffee as part of the Regional Coffee Expo 2024.
During the Habi at Kape on Sept. 11, expo chairman Shosi Mari Salubre Larido said the Davao Coffee Council aims to educate the growers with proper agricultural education and coffee processing. They also plan to visit five provinces in Davao Region next year to identify the challenges of coffee farming.
“The main point here is we need to educate coffee farmers on what is the proper way how you can elevate the price of your product. And of course, maintaining the quality of coffee, so we have to give them more knowledge on the coffee processing as well,” Larido said.
She highlighted that this year’s Regional Coffee Expo is focused on the farmer level-up to the end product of coffee processing to support the small farmers and the local coffee industry. Some of the farmers will also participate for the expo to showcase and promote their local specialty coffee.
Ian Asilo of McRia Coffee said the Philippines now is poised in the specialty coffee market and that the country’s coffee industry is starting to pick up.
He also acknowledged the problems of coffee production being lowered due to climate changes, the elevation of coffee plants in highlands, and the financing of coffee farms.
The Regional Coffee Expo 2024 will run from Sept. 20 to 21 at the Davao Convention and Trade Center. Four varieties of specialty Arabica, Robusta, Excelsa, and Liberica will be presented with major events including Coffee Mixology, Latte Art, and coffee competitions.
The two-day expo aims to promote the local coffee industry, promote networking opportunities, showcase innovation and trends, and encourage sustainability practices.
