Organic Coco Farm In Camotes Finds Market

For going organic, coconut farmers in the municipalities of Tudela and Poro have found a market in a Cebu-based food exporter .

Tudela municipal Mayor Erwin Yu said Profoods International Corporation has executed a purchase agreement with 13 coconut farmers from Barangays Calmante, General and Villahermosa.

Profoods targeted to buy to 269,400 of coconuts from more than 32 hectares of coconut farm in Tudela.

Profoods also set standards for the product and guides farmers to achieve its quality.

Yu said the farmers were very happy since their task is only to maintain the farm and its quality. The harvest is done by Profoods.

He added that the agreed purchase price is P8.50 per coconut.

Aside from Tudela, Profoods also inked a similar agreement with a farmer’s association in Barangay Alta Vista, Poro.

Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Roldan Saragena said organic products are becoming popular these days because they are free from chemicals.

He added that even in the Capitol agri-trade fair in August and December, organic vegetables were immediately sold out.

The Provincial Board has recently passed an ordinance for the promotion of organic farming. The ordinance ensures organic farmers of regular assistance from the province.

Even before the province enacted the ordinance, Saragena said his office has already been conducting trainings like the making of organic fertilizers.

In the Farmer-Scientist Training Program graduation ceremony last April 7, Tudela Vice Mayor Greman Solante said the municipal government and the Cebu Provincial Government both prioritize agriculture in its agenda.

He stated that 18 of 28 people’s associations in the town will be given a share of the P2.8 million financial assistance from the Department of Labor and Employement.

He added that one of the requirements is the submission of their business plans.

By Xerxes Alkuino

www.cebu.gov.ph