Photo courtesy of Nanette Guadalquiver/PNA
Negros Occidental is stepping up efforts to grow its coffee industry, with the provincial government pushing production, processing and branding initiatives aimed at turning locally grown beans into a stronger economic driver.
The province highlighted that push during the 2026 Negros Island Coffee Fiesta in Bacolod City, which brought together coffee farmers, processors, cafés and other industry players.
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said the event could help expand market opportunities, encourage collaboration and strengthen appreciation for Negrense coffee.
Provincial data showed that coffee farms covered 2,129.38 hectares as of 2026, with 2,034 farmers engaged in production.
Negros Occidental had 889,303 bearing coffee trees and 752,090 non-bearing trees, producing more than 251,000 kilograms of fresh cherries and over 7,300 kilograms of green coffee beans.
Cadiz City had the largest coffee production area at 659.76 hectares, followed by Sipalay City, La Castellana, Kabankalan City and La Carlota City.
Government support also includes multimillion-peso processing and marketing projects for farmer groups in Sipalay, Cadiz, La Castellana and La Carlota.
Provincial Agriculturist Dina Genzola said the province is updating its coffee industry roadmap, expanding access to quality planting materials and setting up learning farms and technology demonstration sites.
Negros Occidental is also developing a distinct local coffee identity while strengthening farmer training, post-harvest facilities, sustainable production and market linkages.