Author: Engr. Regine Patino – NHVCDP

oconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) MOA Signing between the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform – Bangsamoro Automomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MAFAR-BARMM) was held at the DA Office of the Secretary, Quezon City last April 14, 2023.

Key officials from both parties and concerned offices participated and served as witness in the event to forge the agreement between DA and MAFAR BARMM.

This ceremony will kick start the CFIDP project implementation to be funded from the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund under Republic Act.No. 11524, specifically for the Farm Improvement Component. Under the law the DA-High Value Crops Development Program shall implement the diversification activities through coffee and cacao intercropping in coconut areas in close coordination with the Philippine Coconut Authority.

With this, the MAFAR-BARMM will serve as the DA-HVCDP counterpart in the distribution of certified coffee and/or cacao planting materials with appropriate fertilization package, farm inputs and tools, and establishment of plant nurseries which will be awarded to the qualified coconut farmers in BARMM, with the main objective of increasing their farm productivity and income.

This MOA shall cover four years of the implementation in MAFAR-BARMM according to the budget allocation under approved CFIDP.

Photo Credit to: Engr. Regine Patino