PH coco exports soared in January

MANILA, Philippines–The volume of coconut-based exports soared by 76 percent year-on-year in January to reach 139,197 tons in copra terms, according to the United Coconut Association of the Philippines (UCAP).

Based on preliminary figures from UCAP, the industry started 2015 with a surge after ending 2014 with a 52-percent plunge in December volume.

January exports “rocketed by 108.7 percent from [the December volume of] 66,710 tons and bested last year’s monthly average of 122,339 tons by 13.8 percent,” the group said in a report.

In January, shipments of top agricultural export coconut oil (CNO) vaulted by 87 percent to 79,250 tons while that of copra meal fell by 34 percent to 31,700 tons.

At the same time, the volume of desiccated coconut rose by 5 percent to 7,437 tons while that of oleochemicals as copra swelled by 74 percent to 1,850 tons.

Also, UCAP observed that for the second time in two years, there were no exports of copra in January.

Earlier this month, the Philippine Coconut Authority said it had engaged farmers cooperatives in a bid to promote community-based agri-businesses related to coconut products.

The PCA signed agreements with an initial group of four associations including Kaagap Multi-Purpose Cooperative based in Agusan del Sur; Masisit-Dacal Livelihood Cooperative (Cagayan); Capiz Small Coconut Farmers Marketing Cooperative; and Brooke’s Point Coco Product Producers’ Cooperative (Palawan).

Also, the agency signed similar agreements with the governments of Alabat, Quezon; and Javier, Leyte.

“We want to showcase here various agribusiness models and approaches, joint ventures, and public-private partnership (PPP) agreements to promote coconut-based enterprises in the countryside,” PCA administrator Romulo N. Arancon Jr. said.

“To increase their income, the coconut farmers must diversify their farming system, add value to their coconut products and think beyond copra,” Arancon said.

The signing of the agreements commits the PCA to provide processing equipment and facilities to its partners.

The cooperatives and the local governments will receive technical assistance, market links, capacity-building activities, and financial support—all alongside other assistance provided through the PCA’s regular industry development programs.