DTI, Dutch firm partner to improve PH coconut enterprises
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MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Monday said it has partnered with a Dutch organization specializing in coconut-based enterprises to help local enterprises in developing coconut fiber products as part of its bid to help them develop more high-value products from the tropical tree.
Citing as part of the Coconut Farmers Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), the DTI said that the partnership with PUM Netherlands have benefited around 25 DTI CFIDP-assisted coconut-based enterprises and coconut farmers in the Davao Region.
The DTI said that Cees de Kreij, an expert from the Dutch non-government organization and a consultant with over 20 years of experience in the Dutch coconut sector, gave one-on-one sessions to coconut farmers and cooperatives engaged in coconut husk processing on January 22.
READ: US FDA removes coconut from allergen listing
DTI 11 Regional Director Romeo Castañaga expressed gratitude for the support in assisting Davao Region’s coconut farmers and coconut-based enterprises.
He highlighted the significance of the development of new products such as substrate and growing media out of coconut husk, commodities which have significant market demand in Europe.
“We have noted several challenges when venturing into producing and promoting coconut products for horticulture purposes. These range from market access and expansion to technology and innovation, and laboratory facilities,” Castañaga said in a statement.
According to records from the DTI, the Davao Region ranks fourth in terms of areas planted with coconut and the volume of production in the Philippines.
The region also ranks first as a coconut producer, contributing 13 percent to the country’s total output.
This year, the DTI said it will conduct coconut husk mapping in the region to assess the supply capacity.
The government agency hopes this effort will also include an industry study to identify potential markets for these products derived from coconut husks.
As of December last year, the DTI said that its region 11 office has already assisted at least 800 coconut farmers in the Davao Region through the CFIDP.
It added that it will focus its support on services related to research, marketing, and market promotion.
