As part of the Mountain Province State University’s (MPSU) program for Highland Agriculture Innovation Learning (HAIL) Center in Baang, Bauko, President Edgar G. Cue led a benchmarking visit to the Gourmet Farm in Silang, Cavite on October 7, 2024. The visit aimed to gather insights and observe best practices in sustainable agriculture that could be adapted to the highland farming conditions of the Cordillera region.
At Gourmet Farm, President Cue and his team were introduced to the farm’s integrated approach to organic farming, coffee roasting, and its pioneering farm-to-table system. The delegation observed how the farm combines production, processing, and marketing into a holistic model that not only ensures food quality but also strengthens farmer livelihoods.
Discussions during the visit highlighted:
✅ Organic cultivation methods suitable for highland crops such as vegetables, herbs, and root crops.
✅ Post-harvest technologies including coffee roasting and packaging, which could be replicated for Cordillera’s coffee industry.
✅ Agri-tourism initiatives that promote sustainability while providing additional income streams for farmers.
✅ Farm-to-table mechanics, emphasizing direct market linkages between producers and consumers.
Following the farm tour, President Cue proceeded to the Le Festin Trading, Inc. office, where a proposal for funding and collaboration was formally presented. The proposal outlined potential partnerships to support the establishment of the HAIL Center, focusing on:
💡 Capacity-building programs for local farmers and students.
💡 Technology transfer and innovation hubs to introduce modern yet sustainable farming practices.
💡 Market linkages to connect Cordillera produce with wider consumer bases.
💡 Research collaborations to strengthen MPSPC’s role in agricultural development.
The initiative underscores MPSPC’s commitment to transforming highland agriculture into a sustainable, innovative, and community-driven enterprise, positioning the HAIL Center as a future model for agricultural education and rural development in the Cordillera.
