Manila:The Department of Agriculture (DA) is considering increasing the potential of Philippine coconut exports to West Africa following a recent shipment to Liberia.

According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative involved the DA and Davao City-based Avante Agri-Products Philippines, Inc. dispatching two container loads of young coconuts to Liberia. This shipment was part of a humanitarian effort intended to support feeding programs in rural communities within the African nation.

The DA Secretary, Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., highlighted that this humanitarian mission could pave the way for the Philippines to access new markets in West Africa. He emphasized that entering international markets would create opportunities for Philippine coconut farmers and exporters. The shipment to Monrovia, Liberia, included 32,000 whole green fresh young coconuts, transported in two 40-foot refrigerated containers, with an FOB value of USD22,400.

Each container carried 16,000 coconuts, packed in 800 sacks with 20 coconuts per sack. The shipment aligns with the government's strategy to diversify export destinations and boost agricultural trade. Tiu Laurel expressed that the goal is to establish sustained demand that would offer better returns for farmers and strengthen the Philippine coconut industry.

The benefits of entering diversified, high-value markets include improved competitive livelihoods for Filipino farmers, potentially leading to repeat orders and increased demand. This could result in better farm-gate prices. Other important trade factors for farmers include managing shipping costs, maintaining product quality, ensuring supply consistency, and increasing the share of export revenues.