Citrus Industry’s Sustainable Practices And Its Cost Considerations

The citrus industry remains a significant source of employment, contributing significantly to the local economic growth of Nueva Vizcaya.Using descriptive analysis, this study profiled two key players in Kasibu's citrus industry.It determined the industry's sustainable practices across economic, social, and environmental dimensions including the costs resulting from these contributions.Using interviews, the study detailed the sustainable practices of two citrusproducing entities.Findings revealed that citrus producers employ sustainability practices by generating employment, paying taxes, and purchasing organic fertilizer (chicken dung) from local suppliers (economic dimension); supporting employees' basic quality of life, providing protective gears for safety to their employees, and providing training and seminars (social dimension); and adopting eco-friendly practices such as using organic fertilizers and regulated chemical sprays (environmental dimension).Despite these efforts, there are several costs constraints still to be considered which remain a significant barrier to fully transitioning toward sustainable agricultural development.The study highlights the importance of expanding research to include other municipalities and regions and recommends exploring technological innovations and market dynamics that can further promote sustainability.Future research may also incorporate stakeholder perspectives, investigate consumer preferences for eco-friendly citrus products, and assess willingness to pay for sustainable options.Addressing financial and market challenges can accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices in the citrus industry, yielding long-term benefits for producers, local communities, and the environment.