Benguet State University (BSU) through the Institute of Highland Farming Systems and Agroforestry hosted a two-day seminar titled: Improving Nursery Practices for High-Quality Coffee Seedling Production under Agsama Kape from Janaury 27-28, 2026, organized by the Société de Coopération pour le Développement International (SOCODEVI) – Philippines.
The activity aimed to strengthen the technical and managerial capabilities of nursery technicians aligned with the stages of seedling development, monitoring, and management. Participants included representatives from Kalinga State University, BSU, Department of Agriculture – Cordillera Administrative Region (DA -CAR), DA – Region 2, Department of Trade and Industry – CAR, Cooperative Development Authority – CAR, and lead cooperatives under Agsama Kape.
The two-day activity featured resource speakers who covered different topics about improving nursery for quality coffee seedling production. France Isabelle and Cynthia Lemelin of SOCODEVI-Canada discussed about Baseline Assessment and Problem Identification, and Potting Media Preparation and Sterilization.
Ma. Arlene F. Celo of the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) – Baguio National Crop Research Development and Production Support Center, shared insights about Coffee Nursery Management and Improving Nursery Practices for High-Quality Coffee Seedling Production.
DA-BPI-CAR representative Mary Jane Estuesta, discussed the Guidelines on Plant Nursery Accreditation for Government and Private Nursery Operators and their Nurseries (D.C. No. 1 Series 2020) and the Revised General Guidelines for Certification of Mother Trees and Planting Materials of Fruit and Plantation Crops (D.C. No.2 Series 2020).
Isabelle and Lemelin also shared their insights on Water and Shade Management, and Integrated Pest and Disease Management.
Following the discussions, the participants presented their nursery drafts and highlighted the improvements and changes they hope to implement.
The event concluded with the awarding of certificates and giving of tokens to the participants and resource speakers.//DPaydowan
