National Agarwood Summit

National Agarwood Summit Proposal

Title: National Agarwood Summit: Unlocking Sustainable Wealth from Agarwood Cultivation and Trade

Theme: “Sustaining Growth, Enhancing Trade, and Ensuring Conservation of Philippine Agarwood”

Date & Venue: [To be determined]

Organizers: Agarwood Growers Association of the Philippines Inc. (AGAP), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and other key stakeholders.

I. Introduction

The Philippine Agarwood industry holds immense potential in sustainable agroforestry, luxury perfumery, and high-value essential oils. However, it faces challenges such as legal restrictions, lack of investment, limited farmer knowledge, and environmental concerns. The National Agarwood Summit aims to bring together stakeholders to address these issues, promote responsible cultivation, and position the Philippines as a leading producer of premium Agarwood products.

II. Objectives of the Summit

  1. Strengthen Legal & Regulatory Compliance
    • Clarify requirements for Wildlife Culture Permit (WCuP) and trade permits.
    • Discuss CITES regulations and sustainable harvesting guidelines.
    • Provide updates on DENR policies and forest charge exemptions for cultivated trees.
  2. Promote Sustainable Agroforestry & Conservation
    • Highlight scientific research on organogenesis protocols and synthetic inoculation techniques.
    • Encourage reforestation programs and genetic conservation of Aquilaria species.
    • Develop national policies for sustainable plantation management.
  3. Expand Market & Investment Opportunities
    • Connect farmers with global perfumery houses and essential oil manufacturers.
    • Attract investors and establish financing models for plantation development.
    • Showcase business models for high-margin Agarwood products (e.g., Oud oil, tinctures, perfumes).
  4. Advance Technology & Innovation
    • Present advancements in Supercritical CO₂ extraction and high-efficiency resin processing.
    • Introduce blockchain and NFT authentication for premium Oud products.
    • Highlight research on value-added applications of Agarwood.
  5. Empower Farmers & Indigenous Communities
    • Provide training on proper cultivation, inoculation, and harvesting techniques.
    • Strengthen cooperative models and financial assistance programs.
    • Establish fair trade practices and revenue-sharing agreements.
  6. Position the Philippines as a Global Agarwood Hub
    • Define a national roadmap for Agarwood industry development.
    • Strengthen international partnerships for trade and sustainable luxury branding.
    • Develop a certification system for Philippine Oud.

III. Key Participants

  • Government Agencies: DENR, DTI, Department of Agriculture (DA), Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), CITES representatives.
  • Private Sector & Investors: Agarwood plantation owners, essential oil manufacturers, luxury perfume brands.
  • Farmers & Indigenous Groups: Smallholder farmers, cooperatives, community-based forest management organizations.
  • Academia & Research Institutions: Universities and scientists specializing in agarwood propagation and biotechnology.
  • International Organizations: ASEAN trade partners, sustainable forestry NGOs, global fragrance industry representatives.

IV. Expected Outcomes

✔ Policy recommendations for legal trade, WCuP compliance, and sustainable cultivation.
✔ Investment commitments for plantation expansion and extraction facilities.
✔ Market linkages between Philippine Agarwood producers and global buyers.
✔ Knowledge transfer on advanced processing and perfumery techniques.
✔ A national action plan for making the Philippines a competitive Agarwood supplier.

V. Proposed Program Agenda

  1. Opening Ceremony & Keynote Speech – The Future of Philippine Agarwood Industry
  2. Panel Discussion 1: Legal & Regulatory Framework for Agarwood Cultivation and Trade (DENR + DA)
  3. Panel Discussion 2: Investment & Market Trends in the Global Agarwood Industry (DTI + DOST)
  4. Technical Presentation: Best Practices in Agarwood Propagation & Sustainable Harvesting (DA, CLSU)
  5. Technology Showcase: Innovations in Extraction, Perfumery, and Blockchain Authentication (DOST, DLSU, CvSU)
  6. Business Matchmaking & Networking Session (DTI + DA)
  7. Closing Session & Signing of National Agarwood Development Roadmap (DENR)

VI. Budget & Funding Requirements

The summit will require funding for venue rental, speaker honorariums, marketing, and logistics. Potential sponsors include government agencies, private investors, and international trade organizations.

VII. Conclusion

The National Agarwood Summit will serve as a catalyst for sustainable industry growth, bridging the gap between farmers, investors, regulators, and global markets. It will pave the way for the Philippines to emerge as a leading, sustainable, and legally compliant Agarwood-producing country.

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