2024 CoCaNut Congress focuses on climate resilience for key crops

Aiming to address the pressing challenges climate change poses to the coffee, cacao, and coconut industries, the CoCaNut Congress 2024 provided an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss strategies for building resilience and sustainability in production. Organized by the POPA Agriculture Cooperative, the congress runs from November 6-8, 2024, at the Iloilo Convention Center, Iloilo City.

With the theme, “Resilient and Sustainable Agriculture in Changing Climates,” the event brought together more than 400 farmers, government agencies, agripreneurs, and industry leaders from across the country to address the evolving needs of the sector. The plenary sessions provided valuable insights on adapting farming practices to the effects of climate change, while the trade fair and exhibits highlighted innovative products and technologies aimed at enhancing agricultural practices.

DA Undersecretary for High-Value Crops, Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero, expressed her support for the event and delivered a message on behalf of DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. Undersecretary Caballero highlighted the urgent challenges faced by local farmers, particularly those brought about by climate change and other complexities affecting the sector. She emphasized the DA’s commitment in addressing these issues through various focused initiatives that provide practical, high-impact support to farmers.

USec. Caballero urged attendees to view this convention as an opportunity to strengthen partnerships within the agriculture sector, promoting resilience and collective success. 

“We aim to build a resilient, adaptive agriculture sector for our coffee, cacao, and coconut industries, our high-value commercial crops,” she stated, expressing optimism that the event would inspire collaborations to help farmers overcome obstacles and secure a sustainable future.

In his keynote speech, Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr. shared the province’s vision of becoming a “forest province,” highlighting a sustainable approach to agriculture and forestry. Guv Defensor announced the recent launch of an executive order focusing on tree-growing initiatives and forest development, aiming to strengthen Iloilo’s natural resources while supporting the agricultural sector.

“We want to be a forest province, that is the direction we want to take,” Defensor said, emphasizing the importance of integrating high-value crops such as coffee, cacao, and coconut into the province’s core programs. He noted that these crops would play a significant role in revitalizing local agriculture, not only enhancing productivity and economic growth but also promoting environmental stewardship and resilience.

Meanwhile, DA-WV Regional Executive Director Dennis Arpia, expressed his gratitude to the organizers of the congress, particularly the POPA for bringing together key players in the agricultural sector. He emphasized the DA’s commitment to more than just presenting programs, but ensuring active participation that leads to real solutions. 

RED Arpia thanked the farmers, investors, organizations, and local government units (LGUs) in attendance, pointing out that the event serves not only to showcase successes but to foster the sharing of experiences and ideas for improvement. He acknowledged the challenges that farmers face, especially in these industrial crops where growing and production often present significant challenges.

Reaffirming the DA’s support for farmers, Director Arpia stressed the importance of ongoing partnerships with LGUs to ensure that the knowledge gained from such events is applied in ways that directly benefit the farming community. 

He assured everyone that the DA would continue to explore innovations to improve agricultural practices and provide the necessary assistance to farmers. “Ang farmers po kahit kailan hindi po natin iiwan.”

The opening program was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including Dir. Jose Jenil Demorito, representing DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella, PCA Administrator Dr. Dexter Buted, Velma Jane Lao, representing Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, and regional directors from various government agencies supporting the event.

Through collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and innovation, the CoCanut Congress 2024 will pave the way for a more resilient and sustainable farming for the coffee, cacao, and coconut industries. # (Text and Photos by: Myleen Subang/DA-RAFIS 6)