DAR builds coffee processing center for Benguet farmers

La Trinidad, Benguet – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has opened a new door of opportunities for the farmer-members of the Caliking Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative (CFMPC) when it spearheaded the construction of a coffee processing center here.

Lailani A. Cortez, Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer (PARPO) II said the Processing Center, with a funding counterpart from CFMPC, aims, among others, to produce quality roasted coffee beans to be marketed initially locally.

“CFMPC is a recipient of the Village Level Farm-focused Enterprise Development (VLFED) project that aims to enhance the products of the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) by using appropriate facilities and equipment applicable to the agri-business enterprise of the cooperative,” Cortez said.

Cortez disclosed that the DAR will lead in the project implementation and assist in the construction of the processing center while providing the necessary technical assistance for the enterprise’s Food and Drug Administration -License to Operate (FDA-LTO) registration.

“The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will help in the marketing, product promotion, and provision of production equipment,” she added.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will provide technical assistance in the conduct of product laboratory analyses and provision of packaging and labeling services while the local government of Atok will facilitate the processing of building permits for the electrification of the CFMPC.

Atok, Benguet Mayor Franklin Smith witnessed the ceremonial groundbreaking and signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) by and between the DAR, DTI, DOST, and CFMPC for the construction of the food processing center located in Km. 38 Abiang, Caliking, Atok, Benguet, and is expected to be finished by September 2024.