Benguet coffee farms to go high-tech: Farmers to adopt Korean drone technology to improve efficiency and productivity

Benguet, Philippines – Coffee farmers in Benguet are set to benefit from advanced drone technology through a partnership between the Korea Coffee Association (KCA) and Sky Enterprise Philippines, aimed at improving productivity and efficiency in the region’s highland coffee industry.

KCA, a South Korea-based organization promoting the coffee industry and culture, focuses on training and certifying coffee professionals, including baristas, roasters, and coffee instructors. It also strives to raise industry standards for quality and standardize skills.

The initiative was showcased at the Tinapong: Benguet Coffee Festival 2026, where the use of drones for crop monitoring and spraying was demonstrated. These drones can carry liquid fertilizers and pesticides, covering up to 1 hectare quickly.

Equipped with built-in sensors, the drones can detect early signs of plant stress, such as changes in temperature, soil moisture, and overall crop health, allowing farmers to address pests and other issues promptly.

The foreign organization believes the technology could be especially useful in Benguet, where farms are often located on steep, inaccessible terrain, and traditional methods still require lengthy fieldwork.

Benguet’s coffee farming

Benguet’s coffee industry holds significant potential but is still in its early stages. The region is known for producing high-quality Arabica coffee due to its cool climate and high altitude.

With support from government programs, private initiatives, and a growing emphasis on specialty coffee—which offers higher incomes for growers—the industry has been steadily rebounding after past declines.

However, production remains limited because most farms are small-scale. Farmers face challenges such as aging coffee trees, labor shortages, and limited access to modern technology.

Despite these obstacles, the outlook for Benguet’s coffee industry is optimistic. Ongoing innovations and support, including KCA’s drone technology, are expected to improve productivity and strengthen the region’s position in both local and export markets.