Universal Robina Corporation (URC) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) have agreed to continue a potato farming program that has significantly enhanced overall farm productivity in the Philippines.

“Since its inception, this program has exemplified the power of public-private partnerships in driving positive change,” said Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. in a statement issued by URC.

He added that “this agreement solidifies our shared commitment to improve access to quality planting materials, enhance potato production practices and technologies, increase local sufficiency, and ultimately uplift farmers for a sustainable future.”

URC, one of the country’s largest food and beverage firms, and the DA will continue providing potato farmers in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Northern Mindanao and Davao access to farm inputs, training and market opportunities for five more years.

This falls under the Sustainable Potato Program (SPP) meant to raise the country’s output of a vital staple crop.

Since the program started five years ago, URC has distributed 506 tons of generation 3 Granola potato seeds from Canada to more than 900 farmers in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Davao del Sur, and Bukidnon.

An estimated 23,000 MT of potatoes have been produced from these seeds, generating a minimum gross income of P920 million. The program has benefited 15 farmer organizations and contributed to a four percent increase in national potato production.

“We at URC are committed to contributing to the country’s sustainable development goals. Through the Sustainable Potato Program, we aim to uplift people’s lives and support the growth of the potato farming industry,” said URC President and CEO Irwin Lee.

He noted that “in collaboration with Canada Agriculture and Agri-Food, and the PEI Potato Board, we provide our local farmers with access to relevant trainings and research.”

As part of this initiative, 10 farmers from Cordillera joined a delegation on a potato seeds educational visit to Prince Edward Island last June 9 to 15. The mission was designed to benchmark farming practices, ensure a continued source of Granola seed variety and explore alternative varieties for a sustainable seed source.

Under its Memorandum of Understanding with URC, the DA will provide training on good agricultural practices, seed multiplication, pest and disease management, storage, handling, and marketing.

The DA will also organize a Program Management Unit (PMU) in the three regions to oversee the program’s implementation and ensure that targets are met.

The Bureau of Plant Industry will facilitate timely import clearances and conduct pest and disease surveillance.

In addition to providing high quality potato seeds direct to farmers, URC will collaborate with relevant institutions to offer capability-building opportunities and training for farmers.

URC will also leverage its network to establish market access for the potato farmers’ produce.

“At URC, we believe in the power of community empowerment and the transformative potential of agriculture,” said Lee.

He added that “our commitment goes beyond business; we are dedicated to changing lives and fostering sustainable growth in every community we touch. Together with our partners, we strive to create a lasting impact, ensuring that our farmers not only thrive but also prosper in evolving agriculture landscape.”