During the National Sectoral Committee (NSC) on Coconut’s second quarter meeting on June 6, 2023, a private stakeholder claimed that the main problem of the white copra industry is the lack of marketing and processing interventions.

“The local industry should focus on updating its marketing strategies, including packaging and labeling, to avoid being left behind by competitors”, said Francisco Rubio of GreenLife Coconut Products Philippines, Inc.

The concern was raised while discussing the recently endorsed Resolution No. 03, Series of 2023, which recommends establishing more white copra oil mill plants and strengthening initiatives for developing technologies and marketing strategies for white copra.

Rubio also suggested promoting the utilization of available technologies for sustaining the production capacity of farmers and improving the low price of coconut products.

Addressing the concern and the resolution, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) informed the Committee that the establishment of white copra oil mill plants is included as a priority activity in the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP).

Merliza Bonga of PCA reported that there are already 17 approved floor and electrical plans as well as two groundbreaking rites conducted in Guimaras and Aklan for the establishment of the oil mill plants.

The Committee agreed to hold a follow-through meeting with the PCA officials and other key stakeholders to discuss in detail the said resolution.

Meanwhile, NSC on Coconut Chairperson Charles Avila reminded the PCA that early planning for marketing is vital in any production initiative.

“Start thinking about how you will handle the marketing side because the worst part of any successful production is when you don’t know where to bring it and sell it”, Avila said.

The Committee then passed a policy resolution recommending to the Department of Agriculture, through the PCA, the conduct of a feasibility study on processing and marketing white copra. This aims to identify whether there is a sufficient and sustainable market for white copra and determine a fair price for both the farmers and the buyers.

Prior to the second quarter meeting, the NSC on Coconut also held a special meeting on June 5, 2023 to discuss the development of the Coconut Industry Roadmap. | JCL