Qualification Level: TESDA NC I – Sustainable Agarwood Production
Crop Focus: Agarwood (Aquilaria spp.)
Objective: Ensure Agarwood production is fully traceable, legal, and compliant with national and international standards
I. INTRODUCTION
Agarwood is a high-value, regulated product. Traceability ensures that every step—from planting, inoculation, harvesting, to storage—is documented and verifiable.
Compliance with regulations protects producers from legal risks, ensures market access, and maintains consumer confidence.
Key Principle: A traceable system tracks the origin, management, and handling of Agarwood products.
II. TRACEABILITY PRINCIPLES
- Unique Identification – Assign IDs to trees, harvest batches, and products
- Documentation – Maintain records of all production activities (planting, fertilization, inoculation, irrigation, pest management, harvesting)
- Verification – Periodically cross-check field logs, inventory, and storage records
- Integration – Combine field data with storage, transport, and sales records for complete traceability
III. TRACEABILITY SYSTEM COMPONENTS
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Tree ID & Mapping | Number each tree and map its location; include age, species, and inoculation history |
| Input Records | Track biofertilizers, organic amendments, irrigation, and pest control applications |
| Inoculation Records | Method, fungal strain, date, dose, and responsible personnel |
| Harvest Records | Tree ID, harvested section, resin quantity and quality, harvest date |
| Storage & Transport | Container ID, batch labeling, storage conditions, transport route |
| Sales Documentation | Buyer details, quantity sold, and certification (if applicable) |
IV. REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
- DENR / EMB CNC / ECC Clearance – Required for plantation operations
- CITES Compliance – For international trade of Aquilaria resin and wood
- Organic / Quality Certifications – Optional, but increases market value
- Health & Safety Standards – TESDA NC-aligned protocols for handling inoculants and organic inputs
Tip: Keep copies of all permits, certificates, and inspection reports on file for verification.
V. BEST PRACTICES
- Use durable tags or QR codes for tree and batch identification
- Maintain centralized records, digital or paper-based, for easy access
- Train personnel in proper data entry and documentation
- Conduct periodic audits to verify traceability and compliance
- Link traceability to quality control – record resin grade, storage conditions, and buyer info
VI. FARMER-FRIENDLY CHECKLIST
☐ Each tree has a unique ID and map location
☐ Input applications (biofertilizers, amendments) are recorded
☐ Inoculation activities are documented (method, strain, date)
☐ Harvest batches labeled with tree ID, date, and quality grade
☐ Storage and transport conditions logged
☐ Sales and certification documents maintained
☐ Permits and regulatory clearances available and up-to-date
VII. TESDA NC I PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Learner must demonstrate ability to:
- Implement traceability from planting to sale
- Maintain accurate records of production, inoculation, harvest, and storage
- Ensure compliance with national regulations (DENR, CITES) and quality standards
- Conduct audits and verify record accuracy
Key Takeaway: A strong traceability and compliance system ensures legal, marketable, high-quality Agarwood, protects the farmer’s investment, and supports sustainable and responsible production.