Universal Robina Corp. (URC), the food and beverage arm of the Gokongwei family’s JG Summit Holdings Inc., is continuing its sustainable potato program to assist farmers in achieving higher yields.
In the program’s second phase, URC distributed approximately 135 tons of potato seed tubers to support hundreds of farmers in Benguet and Mountain Province, ultimately boosting their harvests and income.
The potato seed tubers were received by 335 farmers who are members of the United Potato Producers of Benguet and Mountain Province Inc.
URC anticipates that these seedlings will yield around 1,350 tons of potatoes within four months and up to 12,000 tons over 12 months or four planting cycles.
Vicky Yap, URC’s vice president for global procurement, said the program aims to contribute to the national potato industry by multiplying and distributing potato seeds.
Furthermore, it aims to enhance farmers’ livelihoods through collaboration with relevant institutions, providing opportunities for capacity building.
Since 2019, the United Potato Producers of Benguet and Mountain Province Inc. has received over 333 tons of potato seed tubers, with an estimated value of around P20 million.
URC’s Sustainable Potato Program is implemented in partnership with the Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Plant Industry.
Apart from increasing yields for potato farmers, the program also seeks to stabilize prices of highland vegetables and support the overall development of the national potato industry.
