COFFEE RESEARCH

The Chief Scientist heads a multidisciplinary team of research scientists. All research activities will involve two or more scientists and encompass different disciplines addressing a specific problem.

In the new research approach, most research would be based on farmer needs and aspirations and market demands. Research must embrace recent consumer demands and its trends and facts. Market intelligence and interaction of PNG coffee in the market place will be monitored. This is necessary to ensure PNG remains in the forefront of premium coffee markets.

All research activities would be farmer driven which means that farmers needs and aspirations would be considered when new research are proposed and conducted. More trials would be conducted on farmers' coffee gardens thus become model gardens for farmers in the vicinity. This in a way makes it easier for demonstrations and farmer training.

FARMER TRAINING & EXTENSION

It is headed by a Manager - Farmer Training & Extension and leads a team of farmer trainers and extensionists. The operations cover:

• Farmer training
• Coffee credit scheme and co-operative associations
• Freight subsidy
• Coffee blocks & plantation rehabilitation

The Provincial Farmer Training and Extension Co-ordinators will operate as salesman for the CIC in the provinces.

There is also a mobile unit of extension officers who would be based in the provinces to assist in the delivery of farmer training and carry out CIC's mandate.

SCIENTIFIC LIAISON

This unit undertakes publications, library services and public relation duties such as conducting field days and attending to shows etc. It exists as a 'link' between research and extension and liaise with the industry and other service providers.