Philippines’ Biggest Dried Fruit Producer Inks Pact To Buy Organic Coco From 2 Cebu Towns

Cebu-based Profood International Corporation, the largest Philippine-based dried fruit producer, has signed an agreement to buy organic coconuts from farmers in the towns of Tudela and Poro in the Camotes Islands off northern Cebu.

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

Profoods targeted to buy up to 269,400 of coconuts from more than 32 hectares of coconut farms 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 as the harvest is done by Profoods.

He said the agreed purchase price is Php8.50 per coconut.

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

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

The Cebu Provincial Board has passed an ordinance for the promotion of organic farming and ensuring organic farmers of regular assistance from the provincial government.

But even before the ordinance was passed, Saragena said his office has been conducting trainings like the making of organic fertilizers. (PNA) PGL/EB/SSC