Photo courtesy of DOST Batangas.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Batangas has explored a possible partnership with a cooperative and a foundation of the Aboitiz group to support development of the coffee and cacao sectors through science-based initiatives.
A senior science research specialist of DOST-Batangas said on Friday in a phone interview that discussions were ongoing with the Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative (SIDC) and the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) for a proposed innovation and knowledge center.
The planned facility was envisioned as a shared space for research, technology transfer, product development, and training of farmers engaged in coffee and cacao production.
It was also expected to support the full value chain, from farming and processing to linking products with markets, according to the agency.
The proposal aimed to help improve productivity of more than 22,000 coffee and cacao trees under existing programs while maximizing outputs from participating farmers.
SIDC, based in Batangas, has been involved in agribusiness activities such as coffee roasting and cacao processing, with programs supporting local farmers’ livelihoods.
RAFI, through its environmental initiatives, has been implementing sustainability programs including tree-planting activities and community-based projects.
The partnership was described as aligned with broader efforts to promote innovation and sustainability in agricultural industries in Batangas.