Agarwood is one of the world’s most mysterious and treasured natural materials—born not from abundance, but from rarity; not from ease, but from a delicate process of transformation within the heart of the Aquilaria tree. For centuries, master harvesters, distillers, and traders guarded their methods in silence, passing knowledge only through lineage and tradition.
Today, as global demand for Oud rises and sustainable cultivation grows across Asia, the world needs a new generation of skilled practitioners who understand not just how to harvest agarwood—but how to do it with precision, ethics, science, and respect for the tree.
The Agarwood Harvesting, Processing & Grading Course™ was created to answer that need.
Guided by experts in agarwood biology, sustainable forestry, indigenous harvesting practices, and international trade standards, this course unveils the complete journey of agarwood transformation—from the living tree, to resin formation, to wood selection, to artisanal slicing and distillation.
Participants learn to distinguish grades through sensory, structural, and chemical markers; master processing techniques that preserve resin quality; and apply global grading frameworks used in Middle Eastern, Chinese, and Southeast Asian markets. More importantly, they learn the ethical responsibility that comes with handling one of nature’s most valuable gifts.
This course empowers farmers, processors, traders, and entrepreneurs to elevate Philippine agarwood to its rightful place in the global marketplace—defined by quality, authenticity, and scientific integrity.
Here, tradition meets innovation. Craft meets science.
And every participant becomes a steward of one of the most exquisite, culturally rich commodities on earth.
The Agarwood Harvesting, Processing & Grading Course™—
Where knowledge shapes value, and mastery shapes legacy.
COURSE OVERVIEW
This intensive course equips participants with mastery in resin evaluation, harvesting logistics, wood processing, quality grading, and preparation for domestic/export markets.
It bridges practical field techniques, scientific evaluation methods, and trade standards to ensure high-value, legally compliant agarwood products.
Duration: 2–3 Days (can be upgraded to 5 days with more hands-on work)
I. COURSE OBJECTIVES
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Harvesting & Resin Assessment
- Identify optimal harvest timing based on resin maturity indicators.
- Distinguish resin grade vs. tree age vs. induction method.
- Conduct pre-harvest tree evaluation (bore sampling, color, odor, density test).
- Wood Processing & Product Conversion
- Safely perform tree felling, sectioning, and controlled recovery.
- Perform chip extraction, carving, shaving, slicing, powdering, and drying techniques.
- Apply best practices to preserve resin quality and prevent contamination.
- Grading & Value Determination
- Grade chips, powder, and logs using international quality criteria.
- Identify defects, adulteration, and market-downgrading factors.
- Prepare correctly sorted, cleaned, packed, and labeled goods for trade or export.
- Market & Documentation
- Understand pricing tiers for Gulf, Chinese, and local markets.
- Prepare CITES, DENR, BMB, and export documentation.
- Apply ethical and sustainable harvesting principles.
II. TARGET PARTICIPANTS
- Agarwood farmers
- Plantation managers & harvest crews
- Processors & wood artisans
- Traders & exporters
- Cooperative members (AGAC)
- LGU technicians & DENR field officers
III. COURSE MODULES
MODULE 1: Pre-Harvest Assessment & Readiness
Science + Field Experience Combined
- Biological basis of resin formation (natural vs. induced)
- Identifying resin zones: discoloration, scent diffusion, density changes
- Core sampling / small bore testing
- Resin maturity indicators:
- Color: brown → dark brown → black
- Odor intensity (sweet, balsamic, smoke, spice)
- Hardness & density
- When NOT to harvest (immature resin, fresh induction, infected tissues)
- Harvest planning: manpower, safety gear, cutting strategy, tools
- Legal verification: tree inventory, DENR permit alignment
MODULE 2: Harvesting Techniques & Tree Handling
How to remove wood without losing resin value
- Safe cutting & directional felling
- Extracting main trunk vs. lateral branches
- Mapping resin-rich sections
- Minimizing loss: avoiding over-chainsawing
- Preventing soil contamination
- Bark removal (when & when not to remove)
- Immediate post-harvest care (dry shade holding, rough cleaning)
- Transport & handling guidelines (box, tarp, crate methods)
MODULE 3: Chip Extraction & Wood Processing
Hands-on disassembly of agarwood logs
- Opening logs for resin search
- Techniques for:
- Chipping: hand tools vs. machine
- Carving: selecting high-grade heartwood
- Shaving/blade work: thin layers for mid-grade chips
- Powdering: grinders, micronizers, contamination control
- Removing sapwood from resinous heartwood
- Preventing mold, pests, moisture rise
- Controlled drying:
- Natural shaded drying
- Dehydrator (low heat 35–45°C)
- Smoke drying (when acceptable, when not)
- Storage: humidity, oxygen exposure, UV protection
- Preparing samples for buyers
MODULE 4: International Grading Systems
Arab, Chinese, Malaysian, and Japanese grading standards
A. Chip Grades
- Super / Kyara-Level (Rare)
- AAA / Royal Grade
- AA / High Grade
- A / Mid-Grade
- B / Low Grade
- C / Mixed Wood
Grading criteria:
- Resin concentration (visual and density test)
- Color (darkness, uniformity)
- Aroma profile (cold smell + burn test)
- Purity (no bark, no dirt, no fungus)
- Density (sinks/half-sinks/floats)
B. Powder Grades
- High-grade powder (from resin-rich chips)
- Middle-grade blend
- Low-grade bulk
- Uses: incense, bakhoor, perfumery maceration
C. Log/Block Grades
- Based on resin depth, block density, and carving potential
D. Burn & Heat Test Demonstration
- Electric burner test
- Low-heat charcoal test
- Aroma evolution stages
MODULE 5: Defects, Contamination & Adulteration
How to detect and prevent market penalties
- Common defects:
- Soil/sand contamination
- Mold & moisture bloom
- Sapwood mixed with resin
- Bitten or insect-damaged areas
- Identifying adulterated / fake agarwood
- Cleaning protocols
- Sorting & reclassification
MODULE 6: Packaging, Documentation & Export Standards
Preparing products that pass buyer inspection
Packaging
- For chips: vacuum-sealed, humidity packs
- For powder: food-grade HDPE, double-barrier pouches
- For logs: wrap & crate methods
Documentation
- CITES export requirements
- DENR-BMB transport & cutting permits
- Inventory records for plantations
- Chain-of-custody protocol
- Standard labeling: species, grade, weight, origin, lot number
Quality Certificates
- Moisture content
- Scent analysis notes
- COA from laboratory (optional)
MODULE 7: Market Pricing, Buyer Negotiation & Value Maximization
- Gulf market price tiers (Saudi, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain)
- Chinese ceremonial & high-art grading system
- How to prepare samples for high-end buyers
- Negotiation techniques for bulk vs. premium chips
- How to avoid price downgrades
- Developing long-term buyer contracts
IV. TOOLS & EQUIPMENT LIST
Harvest Tools
- Chainsaws, pruning saws, bow saw
- PPE (gloves, helmet, face shield)
- Bore sampler/auger for pre-harvest tests
Processing Tools
- Small carving knives
- Resin chisels
- Shavers
- Stainless trays
- Dehydrator, moisture meter
- Weighing scale
- Grinder or pulverizer
Lab & Grading Tools
- Magnifying lens
- Density test bowl
- Electric burner
- Aroma blotters
- Sorting trays
V. COURSE OUTPUTS
Participants will produce:
✔ Graded agarwood chip samples (A, B, C)
✔ Powder (2 quality levels)
✔ Harvest & resin evaluation checklist
✔ Packaging-ready samples
✔ Export documentation templates
✔ Final Grading Report
VI. SUGGESTED TRAINING FEE
- 2-Day Course: ₱6,500 – ₱9,500 per participant
- 3-Day Hands-On Course: ₱12,000 – ₱18,000 per participant
- 5-Day Expert Program: ₱25,000 – ₱35,000 per participant
Includes sample wood, tools, certificates, and meal.