Concept Note – NVSU

Title

Academic–Industry Collaboration for the Development of a High-Value Agarwood (Aquilaria spp.) Agroforestry Plantation at Nueva Vizcaya State University – Bayombong Campus

Proponent

Crown Agarwood Group Inc. (with affiliated agroforestry and research entities)

Proposed Partner Institution

Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) – Bayombong Campus

Location

NVSU – Bayombong Campus, Quezon Street, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines

1. Background and Rationale

Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) is mandated to advance instruction, research, extension, and production in agriculture, forestry, environmental management, and rural development. In support of this mandate, this concept note proposes the establishment of a pilot Agarwood (Aquilaria spp.) plantation within the NVSU Bayombong Campus through an Academic–Industry Collaboration.

Agarwood is one of the world’s most valuable non-timber forest products, used in fine perfumery, traditional medicine, incense, and wellness applications. Demand for sustainably produced agarwood continues to grow globally, while natural wild sources are increasingly restricted. Plantation-grown agarwood, developed under science-based and policy-compliant systems, presents a strategic opportunity for forestry research, agroforestry innovation, and rural livelihood development.

Nueva Vizcaya’s agro-ecological conditions—characterized by a tropical monsoon climate, well-distributed rainfall, and upland-to-midland agricultural landscapes—are suitable for agarwood cultivation when combined with proper site selection, silvicultural management, and research-guided resin induction techniques. Establishing an agarwood plantation at NVSU will allow the university to serve as a regional hub for high-value tree farming research and extension in Northern Luzon.

2. Alignment with NVSU’s Mandate

The proposed project directly supports NVSU’s core functions by:

  • Enhancing instruction through a living laboratory for forestry, agriculture, environmental science, and agribusiness students;
  • Strengthening research on tree propagation, nursery systems, plantation silviculture, agroforestry integration, and sustainable agarwood resin formation;
  • Advancing extension through farmer-oriented demonstrations, training programs, and technology transfer on high-value tree crops;
  • Supporting production and innovation via policy-compliant plantation models that may later be scaled or replicated by partner communities.

3. Agro-Ecological Suitability of Nueva Vizcaya

Nueva Vizcaya is characterized by:

  • A tropical climate with pronounced wet and dry seasons;
  • Annual rainfall generally favorable for tree crop establishment;
  • Upland and rolling terrain suitable for diversified agroforestry systems;
  • Existing agricultural and forestry expertise within NVSU.

Aquilaria species perform best in well-drained soils, moderate elevations, and mixed-species environments. The project will prioritize site assessment, soil analysis, and microclimate evaluation to ensure optimal plantation design while maintaining ecological integrity.

4. Objectives

General Objective

To establish a pilot agarwood agroforestry plantation at NVSU – Bayombong Campus that supports instruction, research, extension, and sustainable forestry development.

Specific Objectives

  • Establish a research-based agarwood plantation within the university campus;
  • Generate data on growth performance, silviculture, and agroforestry compatibility under Nueva Vizcaya conditions;
  • Serve as a platform for undergraduate and graduate research and thesis work;
  • Develop extension-ready models for high-value tree farming;
  • Strengthen academic–industry collaboration in sustainable forestry and agroforestry.

5. Project Components

5.1 Plantation Establishment

  • Site identification and suitability assessment
  • Nursery sourcing or propagation of Aquilaria planting materials
  • Field layout, planting, and maintenance

5.2 Research and Instruction

  • Growth and survival studies
  • Soil–plant interactions
  • Agroforestry system integration
  • Resin induction research (subject to approvals)

5.3 Extension and Capacity Building

  • Demonstration plots
  • Training workshops for students, faculty, and partner farmers
  • Development of manuals and learning modules

6. Roles and Responsibilities (Indicative)

NVSU

  • Provide land area within the Bayombong Campus
  • Lead academic instruction, research oversight, and extension integration
  • Assign faculty and student researchers

Crown Agarwood Group Inc.

  • Provide technical expertise in plantation development and agarwood systems
  • Support research frameworks and capacity-building activities
  • Share industry perspectives and value-chain insights

7. Sustainability and ESG Considerations

The project will adopt sustainable land management principles, biodiversity-friendly plantation designs, and ESG-aligned practices. Data generated may support future studies on carbon sequestration, ecosystem services, and nature-based solutions.

8. Expected Outputs

  • Established pilot agarwood plantation at NVSU
  • Research outputs and student theses
  • Extension-ready demonstration models
  • Strengthened academic–industry partnership

9. Indicative Timeline

  • Year 1: Planning, site assessment, nursery preparation, planting
  • Years 2–3: Maintenance, research, instruction, and extension activities
  • Subsequent years: Advanced research, scaling, and value-chain studies

10. Next Steps

Upon approval in principle, the partners may proceed with detailed planning, formal agreements, and implementation subject to NVSU policies and applicable government regulations.

This concept note is submitted for initial discussion and does not constitute a binding agreement.