The International Coconut Community (ICC) supported the International Conference on Agriculture, Food, Environment, and Energy (InCAFEE) 2025, held in hybrid format at the Sintesa Peninsula Hotel, Manado, from 6-8 August 2025. Organized by the Faculty of Agriculture at Sam Ratulangi University (UNSRAT), the conference carried the theme “Strengthening Agricultural Higher Education through Innovation and International Collaboration for Sustainable Food, Environment, and Energy.”
The event opened on 6 August with a Grand Dinner that brought together key dignitaries, including officials from the UNSRAT Rector’s Office, Rector Prof. Dr. Ir. Oktovian Berty Alexander Sompie, Governor of North Sulawesi Mayjen TNI (Purn) Yulius Selvanus, Dean Ir. Deddie Tooy, M.Si., Ph.D., and Dr. Sam Herodian, Special Staff to the Indonesian Minister of Agriculture.
The formal proceedings began the following morning with keynote addresses by Dr. H. Andi Amran Sulaiman, MP, Minister of Agriculture of Indonesia, and Lt. Gen. (Purn) Dr. Anton Nugroho, M.A., M.M.D.S., Rector of the Indonesia Defense University.
In his welcoming address, Ir. Deddie Tooy, M.Si., Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at UNSRAT and Chair of the Organizing Committee, emphasized the value of collaborative synergy in addressing global agricultural challenges. He noted that strong partnerships between universities, research institutions, governments, and international organizations are essential for generating sustainable solutions.
Among the distinguished invited speakers were Dr. Jean-Marc Roda (CIRAD, France), Dr. Fabian M. Dayrit (Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines), Dr. Jelfina C. Alouw (Director General, ICC), Prof. Dr. Fahrul Zaman Huyop (Universiti Teknologi Malaysia), Tamara Jackson and Jeremy Badgery-Parker (University of Adelaide, Australia), and Prof. Dr. Nurul Huda (Brawijaya University, Indonesia).
Through ICC’s sponsorship, two renowned scientists delivered high-impact presentations: Dr. Rajesh M.K. (ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, India) presented “Impact of Water Stress on Coconut and Breeding for Drought Tolerance”, highlighting advanced research on drought-tolerant genotypes, OMICS technologies, and genome editing for climate-smart coconuts. Dr. Fabian M. Dayrit spoke on “Benefits from the Coconut: From Nutrition to Functional Food to Therapy”, detailing scientific evidence on coconut’s health benefits, including virgin coconut oil’s role in metabolic health, immunity, and potential protection against mild COVID-19.
ICC Director General Dr. Jelfina C. Alouw addressed the plenary with a global perspective on the coconut sector, highlighting genetic resource conservation, innovations in sustainable aviation fuel, and the integration of coconut research into higher education. She reaffirmed ICC’s commitment to fostering collaboration among coconut-producing nations for a more resilient future.
In addition to the conference, Dr. Rajesh, Dr. Dayrit, and Dr. Jelfina visited the Balai Perakitan dan Pengujian Tanaman Palma in Manado, where they were warmly welcomed by Dr. Steivie Karouw, STP, M.Sc and the team. ICC expressed appreciation for the warm reception and the opportunity to observe the center’s impressive tissue culture laboratory. Discussions explored potential collaboration to strengthen tissue culture systems, with the plantation site described as both “inspiring” and a valuable resource for the future of coconut breeding and propagation.
The delegation also visited UNSRAT’s Faculty of Agriculture Soil Laboratory, where they were welcomed by Mrs. Wiesje J.N. Kumolontang and her team. The visitors commended the lab’s ongoing research and noted similar initiatives in the Philippines and India. Discussions highlighted the importance of soil health for coconut cultivation and the promising role of coconut-based biochar as a sustainable soil amendment to enhance productivity.
ICC extends its heartfelt appreciation to UNSRAT and the local organizing committee for their exceptional hospitality. The warmth of Manado, enriched by vibrant cultural performances such as the Kabasaran dance, created an atmosphere that welcomed all delegates and strengthened the spirit of international cooperation.
By facilitating expert participation and encouraging knowledge exchange, ICC contributed to reinforcing collaborative networks that will help drive a resilient and sustainable future for the coconut sector.