Proper planning for progress: The cacao model

Unless planning is done properly for the agriculture industry, we will never achieve our neighboring countries’ progress in this critical area. The planning process done ahead of the National Cacao Congress this coming Nov. 24-Nov. 25 provides a good model for other commodities to follow.

But firstly, the creation of the Philippine Cacao Industry Council (PCIC) is paramount.

The PCIC, chaired by Armi Lopez Garcia, subsequently organized a purely private Philippine Cacao Industry Association (PCIA). A body like this is key to effective planning and implementation.

Unlike the industry subsector roadmaps that were funded and very actively led by private sector leaders, our current agriculture roadmaps are funded by the Department of Agriculture (DA). The industry roadmaps also have much more detail, including an international perspective.

When the PCIA reviewed the government-prepared cacao roadmap, they identified three missing gaps: a soil analysis complemented by a hazard map; an international outlook; and a delivery system to transform the plan into effective action.

The government had previously promoted cacao as a profitable high value crop for planting nationwide. With more private sector participation and the valuable support of the DA, the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Science and Technology, it was concluded that cacao should be promoted selectively (meaning, only where it can be profitable). Profitability means at least two kilos are produced for every plant.

What’s the plan?

Firstly, areas should be identified through a soil analysis. With climate change in mind, the areas must be overlaid with a hazard map. Areas with too much water (heavy rains) or too little will only result in unfortunate losses.

Secondly, the international aspect was not sufficiently addressed in the roadmap. In our global trade environment, this is an essential part of planning.

Nowhere was it mentioned that cacao had become attractive only when the Ivory Coast, which was then producing quality low-cost cacao, had shifted from cacao to palm oil. This gave us an important opening, resulting in good prices. But the Ivory Coast has since returned to cacao production. We must now increase our productivity as well as explore new markets in the Asia-Pacific region in order to survive and grow.

Thirdly, there is a need for action to make the plan effective. Many cacao teaching methods are not science-based. The plan should indicate technology transfer, best practices, role responsibilities, specific accountabilities and quantifiable targets. The private sector, not the government, knows business best. PCIA should take the lead in this area, with government providing the necessary enabling environment.

PCIA is now addressing these three gaps. A significant step is publishing a cacao handbook on best science-based practices written by 14 experts, who will also take turns giving lectures at the free Zoom cacao forum held every first Wednesday of the month. The November 24-25 National Cacao Congress in Davao is open to everyone, albeit for a fee. Register through email: [email protected].

It is time that proper planning, like in the cacao model, be executed for all agriculture commodities. Commodity roadmaps that guide the plans should have implementation teams. Each should have an identified private sector chair and a DA co-chair for monitoring and accountability. Only then can we see progress, instead of continuing decline. INQ