#KapeTayo: Coffee Farming in Bicol, A Brewing Opportunity

Coffee farming in Bicol is slowly gaining ground, with the region's farmers turning to coffee as an alternative crop. Known for producing rice, coconut, and sugarcane, Bicol is now experimenting with coffee farming, spurred by local enthusiasm and the efforts of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Tracing The Beans

In 2016, the Department of Agriculture (DA) launched the Coffee and Cacao Program to encourage farmers across the country, including those in Bicol, to diversify their agricultural output. The program aimed to boost the local coffee industry by providing technical assistance, financial support, and coffee seedlings to farmers willing to make the shift to coffee cultivation. Bicol’s climate and soil conditions made it an ideal candidate for coffee production, with certain areas offering the perfect environment for growing high-quality beans.

Since the launch of the program, many farmers in the region have embraced coffee farming. The DA has been instrumental in equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to cultivate coffee, from planting to processing. This support has opened up new possibilities for local farmers to boost their income and reduce their reliance on traditional crops.

Coffee With A Kick

The Bicol region has several areas where coffee farming shows promise. Bulusan in Sorsogon, and the slopes of Mount Isarog in Camarines Sur, are two such places. These areas provide the cooler temperatures and fertile volcanic soil that coffee plants thrive in, making them ideal for cultivating Arabica beans.

Meanwhile in Camarines Sur, Takore Coffee Roasters is one example of a successful coffee operation. The company works with local farmers to grow Arabica beans, which are gaining recognition for their smooth, unique flavor. Takore’s success highlights the potential for Bicol’s coffee industry, showing that high-quality beans can be produced in the region.

However, coffee farming in Bicol is not without its challenges. The region is prone to typhoons, which often disrupt harvests and damage crops. Farmers in Bulusan and other areas have experienced losses due to these storms, making it difficult to maintain consistent yields. Despite this, many farmers continue to experiment with coffee farming, finding ways to make it work even in the face of adversity.

Looking Ahead

Bicol’s potential as a coffee region is a game-changer for the local economy. For Bicolanos, coffee farming represents not just a new crop, but a meaningful opportunity for better livelihoods and long-term economic stability.

The only caveat is if there will be continued support from both the government and private sectors, which would be crucial in ensuring its sustainable growth.