Davao city: The Department of Agriculture in Davao Region (DA-11) has initiated discussions on providing technical support to the Geisha coffee farm in Davao del Sur as part of efforts to enhance the region's contribution to high-value crops and improve the global competitiveness of Philippine coffee.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DA-11 plans to support the Acu Geisha Farm in Kapatagan, Davao del Sur, the country's first-ever Geisha coffee farm, by establishing a nursery project and assisting with the registration of planting materials with the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI). This initiative aims to ensure legal compliance, protect coffee varieties, support genome sequencing, and promote research and initiatives that connect local farmers with Geisha coffee cultivation.

Geisha, a premium Arabica variety, was introduced to the Philippines by Taiwanese farmer Acu Sicayang, who brought seedlings from Panama in 2018. Following years of challenges and adjustments, Sicayang successfully cultivated Geisha coffee in the Philippines, a rare and highly valued variety that has thrived in the local environment.

The farm spans more than seven hectares and includes various coffee varieties, such as Catimor and Catura, with four hectares dedicated exclusively to Geisha coffee. The farm's elevation at 1,737 meters above sea level provides optimal conditions for Geisha coffee to flourish.

Sicayang has expressed his commitment to sharing his knowledge and success with local farmers, highlighting that cultivating Geisha coffee requires patience and perseverance due to its sensitivity compared to other varieties. The initiative aims to connect local farmers and cooperatives with high-value markets and knowledge networks, further positioning Davao as one of the country's top coffee producers.