Academic–Industry Collaboration for the Development of an Agarwood (Aquilaria spp.) Plantation and Research Demonstration Site
Camarines Norte State College (CNSC), Daet, Camarines Norte
1. Project Title
Establishment of an Agarwood (Aquilaria spp.) Plantation and Research Demonstration Site at Camarines Norte State College (CNSC)
2. Proponent
Industry Partner:
Crown Agarwood Group Inc.
(Engaged in agarwood plantation development, agroforestry systems, sustainable inoculation technologies, and value-chain integration)
Academic Partner:
Camarines Norte State College (CNSC)
Daet, Camarines Norte
3. Background and Rationale
Agarwood, derived from Aquilaria species, is among the most valuable non-timber forest products globally, with strong demand in the perfumery, pharmaceutical, wellness, and traditional medicine sectors. Southeast Asia is a recognized source region for agarwood, and the Philippines possesses favorable agro-climatic conditions for its sustainable cultivation.
Camarines Norte, with its agricultural landscape, academic capacity, and strategic role in regional development, presents an ideal setting for an academic–industry partnership focused on agarwood research, plantation development, and technology transfer.
This proposed collaboration aims to establish an agarwood plantation and research demonstration site within the CNSC Daet Campus that will function as a living laboratory integrating:
- Instruction and experiential learning
- Applied research and innovation
- Extension services and community engagement
- Sustainable agroforestry enterprise models
The project aligns with CNSC’s mandate on research, extension, innovation, environmental stewardship, and regional development, while contributing to climate-resilient and high-value agricultural systems.
4. Project Objectives
General Objective
To establish a sustainable agarwood plantation and research demonstration site at CNSC that supports instruction, research, extension, and enterprise development.
Specific Objectives
- To develop a pilot agarwood plantation using science-based and environmentally responsible practices
- To conduct joint research on agarwood propagation, growth performance, inoculation, and resin formation
- To integrate the plantation into student instruction, thesis work, and faculty research
- To serve as a platform for extension, training, and farmer capacity-building in Camarines Norte and nearby provinces
- To explore value-adding, sustainability, and market-oriented pathways for agarwood-based products
5. Proposed Scope and Components
5.1 Plantation Establishment
- Site identification within CNSC Daet Campus (pilot-scale area)
- Selection of appropriate Aquilaria species
- Nursery production and field planting
- Adoption of sustainable agroforestry and soil management practices
5.2 Research and Development
- Propagation techniques (seedling and vegetative approaches)
- Growth monitoring and plantation management protocols
- Agarwood inoculation and resin induction studies (subject to approvals)
- Environmental, ESG, and sustainability metrics
5.3 Instruction and Academic Integration
- Use of the site as a living laboratory for agriculture, forestry, biology, and related programs
- Student thesis and practicum opportunities
- Faculty-led collaborative research projects
5.4 Extension and Capacity Building
- Training programs for farmers, LGUs, and stakeholders
- Demonstration of sustainable high-value tree farming
- Knowledge-sharing seminars and field days
5.5 Enterprise and Innovation (Exploratory)
- Assessment of agarwood value-chain opportunities
- Policy, ethics, and sustainability discussions
- Potential future incubation of community-based enterprises
6. Roles and Responsibilities (Indicative)
Camarines Norte State College (CNSC)
- Provide institutional support and access to a designated project site
- Facilitate academic oversight, research coordination, and student involvement
- Integrate the project into instruction, research, and extension programs
Industry Partner
- Provide technical expertise on agarwood cultivation and plantation management
- Support planting materials, protocols, and capacity-building activities
- Collaborate in research design, monitoring, and knowledge sharing
Specific roles, cost-sharing, and governance mechanisms shall be defined under a formal Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).
7. Expected Outputs and Outcomes
Key Outputs
- Established agarwood plantation and research plots
- Joint research studies, reports, and publications
- Trained students, faculty, and local stakeholders
- Extension materials and training modules
Expected Outcomes
- Enhanced CNSC research and extension capability
- Increased awareness and adoption of sustainable agroforestry systems
- Strengthened academic–industry collaboration
- Contribution to regional livelihood development and environmental sustainability
8. Sustainability and Development Impact
The project supports:
- Sustainable land use and agroforestry development
- Climate-resilient and nature-based solutions
- Long-term academic research platforms
- Community engagement and inclusive growth
By positioning agarwood as a scientifically managed, sustainable, and high-value tree crop, the initiative contributes to both environmental stewardship and economic development in Camarines Norte.
9. Implementation Timeline (Indicative)
| Phase | Activities | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Planning, site assessment, MOA finalization | Months 1–3 |
| Phase 2 | Nursery production and plantation establishment | Months 4–12 |
| Phase 3 | Research, monitoring, instruction, extension | Year 2 onwards |
10. Next Steps
- Presentation of the concept to CNSC leadership and RDE Office
- Identification of site and institutional requirements
- Development and signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)
- Formation of a joint technical working group
Prepared by:
Crown Agarwood Group Inc.
In collaboration with
Camarines Norte State College (Proposed)