LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — A Canadian-based coffee company recently launched its first Arabica coffee plantation in this vegetable-producing province with the bid of producing a consistent supply that meets the American standard.

Rocky Mountain Café planted the first 32,000 Arabica coffee trees in the said plantation which was subjected to an Ibaloi ritual – cañao – apparently to drive away evil spirits and would guarantee productivity in the future.

Based on its concept, the firm intends to produce organic high altitude Arabica coffee beans that meet the standard of the Specialty Coffee Association of America in order to perk up the booming coffee industry in the whole region.

The Cordillera Regional Development Council (RDC) is strongly advocating for the mass production of Arabic coffee which is conveniently produced in the different parts of the region because the prevailing weather condition is suitable for the production of the said type of coffee.

The RDC-CAR has initiated the organization of regional, provincial and municipal coffee councils in order to strengthen the Arabica coffee production in the countryside.

Rocky Mountain Café aims to produce a single origin organic Arabica coffee produced using the same production technique, by the same farmers, from the same trees, planted in the same soil, year after year, so that its customers can secure a regular supply and really appreciate the unique aroma, lingering mouth feel and caramelized taste of authentic Cordillera coffee.

The development of the Arabica coffee plantation, in compliance with the RDC-CAR’s advocacy, is in partnership between Ibaloi farmers and the Canadian-based international coffee company which aims not only to produce quality Arabica coffee but also to become a role model in corporate social responsibility.