The Department of Agriculture (DA) is looking to open export opportunities for coconut products in West Africa, following the shipment of young coconuts to Liberia.
The Philippines has shipped 50 metric tons of young coconuts to the African country, with the DA noting that this could open new opportunities for coconut products in neighboring countries.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stressed the importance of market access and private-sector partnerships in making agriculture more competitive and improving farmers’ livelihoods.
‘Expanding into new international markets creates opportunities for our coconut farmers and exporters. The challenge is to turn these initial shipments into sustained demand that delivers better returns to our farmers and strengthens the Philippine coconut industry,’ he added.
The recent coconut shipment was part of a partnership between the DA and Davao City-based Avante Agri-Products Philippines Inc.
The agency said that Avante Agri-Products shipped whole green young coconuts to Monrovia, Liberia within two 40-foot refrigerated containers. The shipment has a combined free-on-board value of $22,400.
Liberia’s Ministry of Agriculture is facilitating the shipment, with CMA CGM deploying its Smart Reefer Container technology to help keep the produce fresh during transport.
The coconuts were intended to be donated to rural communities in Liberia to support feeding programs and provide household benefits.