...Competitiveness is Core of Coco Industry Roadmap

In the roadmap summary, PCA identified seven strategies to achieve the goal of creating a globally competitive coconut industry.  Among these are promoting coconut farmers’ welfare and social protection; strengthening and empowering coconut farmer organizations (CFOs); increasing and sustaining coconut production or farm improvement; and establishing coconut-based farming systems (CBFS) agri-business hubs and corridors for coconut products, intercrops, and livestock.  Other key strategies also include improving competitiveness of traditional and non- traditional coconut products in local and global markets; enhancing trade and marketing; and strengthening policy and other support services. 
The PCA said the strategies would support efforts toward social protection and improved farmers welfare; agribusiness management and skills enhancement of coconut farmers organizations; farm improvements including hybridization, intercropping, livestock integration and integrated coconut processing agro-enterprises; and provision of support systems including credit, shared facilities, infrastructure, and road networks.
  
The roadmap aims to provide direction and recommendations toward sustainable development of the coconut industry, focusing on inclusive growth to lift the coconut farmers out of poverty and improving the competitiveness and expanding the market potential of traditional and non- traditional coconut products.