The Philippines plans to plant 50 million coconut trees next year to reclaim its position as the world's largest producer

Thirty years ago, the Philippines was the world's largest coconut producer, but its position was taken by Indonesia. Recently, Philippine President Marcos proposed expanding coconut cultivation to reclaim its historical status as the world's largest coconut producer.

The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) aims to plant 50 million coconut trees by 2026, doubling its original target of 25 million. This plan is part of a five-year initiative launched in 2023, with the goal of planting 100 million coconut trees by 2028. From 2024 to date, over 8.5 million coconut trees have been planted, with an expected additional 15 million trees by the end of the year.

According to reports, President Marcos has allocated funding, and the Coconut Authority will collaborate with planting communities to accelerate production materials. The revised five-year plan also includes a fertilization program to increase yields from the existing 340 million coconut trees. Many of these trees are aging, currently producing only about 40 coconuts annually, which is just one-third of their peak production.

Global coconut oil demand continues to grow, partly because the EU has classified palm oil as environmentally unsustainable and plans to phase out imports by 2030, creating new opportunities for coconut-producing countries like the Philippines. Simultaneously, global coconut oil prices are rising due to declining copra production and increased demand for fresh coconuts in healthy beverages.

In 2024, Indonesia's coconut production is 17.13 million tons, while the Philippines produces 14.77 million tons. The Philippines' coconut production decline is largely attributed to the destruction caused by Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, which destroyed approximately 10 million coconut trees.

Image source: DA-PCA2025 International Fruit and Vegetable Report. All rights reserved. Reproduction requires permission from International Fruit and Vegetable Report.