PhilCAFE Project – The first step for the development of the Philippine coffee industry

The PhilCAFE project is a program called Philippine Coffee Advancement and Farm Enterprise. The project began in 2019, funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and implemented by ACDI/VOCA in partnership with WCR. PhilCAFE focuses on innovative efforts to develop the Philippine coffee industry sustainably. These include improving coffee production and quality, empowering farmers, distributing new Arabica coffee varieties, and supporting skills development for Philippine researchers and producers. In addition, there are field trials, training sessions, learning experiences, and research opportunities aimed at enhancing the scientific knowledge and capacity of the coffee research industry in the country.

The PhilCAFE project is implemented in 2019 – 2023 by ACDI/VOCA and WCR

Before the PhilCAFE project, most coffee farmers in the Philippines didn’t use improved agricultural practices (GAP). Access to capital, raw materials, and good techniques is also limited. Coffee quality and output in recent years have shown signs of stagnation. However, PhilCAFE has promoted greater adoption of GAP, helping to improve both the quantity and quality of coffee. Project management organizations have worked with youth clubs to promote young people’s access to information about GAP.

The PhilCAFE project contributes to promoting the young generation to participate in the coffee industry

Now, farmers working with PhilCAFE have started consuming high-quality brewed coffee, and more and more younger generations are entering the field. PhilCAFE’s empowerment and support activities have also stepped in to help create investment momentum, helping to build the confidence of financial institutions by ensuring greater consistency in coffee quality. PhilCAFE also facilitates agreements between these organizations, agricultural buyers, and cooperatives, ensuring sustainable relationships and accountability. Now, there is an opportunity to expand financial resources from coffee producers to businesses, creating connections and promoting the strong development of small-scale producers.

In addition, the project also organizes training sessions on management and operations for the coffee community. This has helped improve mutual understanding of quality among all stakeholders. Buyers and manufacturers both understand the need for transparency, clarity of contracts, and other regulations. This contributes to promoting the sustainability of the Philippine coffee industry.

The PhilCAFE project contributes to improving the sustainability of the Philippine coffee industry

Within 5 years, the PhilCAFE project has almost resolved existing challenges and reduced barriers in terms of access to seeds, techniques, new technology, finance, and knowledge gaps in the Philippine coffee industry. Over the next period, we may witness a remarkable boom in this country. If interested in this new transformation, follow XLIII Coffee’s Journal channel!

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