A US company will trial a Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) scheme in the Philippines that will reward coffee farmers for conserving biodiversity, soil and water resources and sequestering carbon.

SunStar reports that Texas-based company, Montañosa LLC-USA has identified Tublay in the province of Benguet for the project. Coffee growers in this region are known for their organic agroforestry practices and their involvement in watershed rehabilitation and protection.

The company plans to reward farmers for providing environmental services through in-kind contributions, such as coffee seedlings, assistance and training.

"Aside from protecting the environment, this reward scheme also seeks to increase the annual income of a farmer, promote voluntarism, and teamwork," said company representative, Domini Mariano.

Read the full story: Benguet coffee farmers to get US aid