The Agricultural Training Institute-Central Luzon (ATI-CL) conducted theΒ Training course for Prospective Coconut Learning Sites for Agriculture (Coco LSA) in Region IV-A under the Coconut Farmers Information and Development Plan (CFIDP), from November 4 to 8, 2024.
The training aimed to provide coconut farmers with practical insights into successful farming practices, enhancing their skills and knowledge to establish their own farms as effective learning sites. A total of 16 coconut farmers from Aurora and Bataan participated in the training, which included visits to various established Coco LSAs to observe best practices and learn from experienced coconut farmers.
During the activity, participants toured several successful coconut farms, including APA Farms, Kititay Farm, Gintong Bukid, BTC Farm, and Calungsod Farm. At each site, farmers had the opportunity to engage with farm operators, ask questions, and exchange ideas about effective coconut farming techniques and farm management strategies.
In addition to farm visits, participants also toured the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Region IV-A office and M. Ilagan Trading, as well as Pasiolco, where they learned about coconut processing, industry standards, and marketing strategies. These visits provided valuable insights into the coconut value chain, equipping farmers with the tools to expand their knowledge of coconut production beyond cultivation to include processing and marketing.
Moreover, the participants were expected to apply the knowledge and skills they gained to improve their farming practices and develop their own farms as successful learning sites for other coconut farmers. The initiative supports ATI-CLβs ongoing efforts to enhance the capabilities of coconut farmers in the region and contribute to the development of sustainable and profitable coconut farming practices
