DA-BAFS introduce Kipus traceability tool for Cacao production

Zamboanga City and Zamboanga del Norte have been identified by the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (DA-BAFS) as pilot sites in region IX for the use of Kipus Traceability Tool for Cacao project.

The Kipus tool developed by Germans will be used to collect data of the Cacao supply chain and make it transparent to an identified group of producers, LGU partners and buyers or customers. The Kipus tool is an online application that allows the user to input and upload data of Cacao, from production, harvest and processing from the farm in a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. All data will be verified by the BAFS who will be manager of the project, and this will have limited access to those only in the cacao industry. Other interested parties will still be screened by BAFS for access to the Traceability tool.

According to Karen A. Roscom, OIC Director of BAFS, “the Kipus traceability project is a mobile solution to collect data from Cacao’s production to processing in conformity with the Philippine National Standards (PNS) for cacao. It will also be used at other aspects of the Industry like Profitability.”

Roscom also said that in the entire Philippines only Region 13 – CARAGA and Region 9 – ZAMPEN were defined as target areas for the Kipus Traceability for Cacao since there are already existing Cacao groups and active Cacao producers. The Kipus project was also endorsed under the USDA-PL480 with the initial proposal submitted to be considered for the fund source. “Upon its inception and eventually if found to be successful, the Kipus traceability will also be used for livestock, fruits and other vegetables.” she said.

There are four stages of the project. The inception meeting;  the Training of Target farmer-group and compliance officers on the Code of Practice for Philippine Cacao (beans/tablea) and other related PNS; the Training of Compliance Officers on the Use of Kipus Traceability for Cacao with actual demonstration; and the Field Application of Kipus traceability with monitoring of data collection. The activities would be conducted by the BAFS with a cost-share mechanism with the DA regional field office.

During the inception meeting held in Dipolog City last week, the POEMCO Multipurpose Cooperative representatives have already signified their intention to support the Kipus Traceability for Cacao Project. The DA regional office also expressed support and assistance for its implementation in the region.

Ana S. Aying, DA-HVCDP coordinator said, “we will provide assistance with BAFS in this Kipus project since Cacao is also one of our emerging priority commodities in the region. We will support, promote, and commit in terms of the cost-share scheme of trainings.”

The Kipus Traceability Tool for Cacao Project is in coordination with the Knowledge Intelligence (KIAG), Fair Trade Marketing Organization (FMO) – Philippines and the DA Regional Field Office. (Cherry Cadiz, DA9)