URC's Potato Program Boosts Harvests and Market Access for Farmers

MANILA, Philippines — Universal Robina Corp. (URC) has expanded its farmer support program aimed at helping local potato growers improve their harvests and tap into wider market opportunities. The company announced that farmers in Benguet have successfully harvested potatoes from 54 metric tons (MT) of Granola potato seeds distributed in April to 216 members of the United Potato Producers of Benguet and Mountain Province Inc. The crop, planted in early May, was fully harvested by late August. Farmers will retain a portion of the yield as seeds for the next planting cycle while selling the rest to generate income. To further explore more productive options and support a more sustainable potato industry, seven other potato varieties are being cultivated on trial plots. These include Hilite Russet, Russet Burbank, Eva, Mystere, Kennebec, Red Norland, and Satina. Under its Sustainable Potato Program, URC provides farmers with seed potatoes, technical training, and market access. Over the past eight years, the company has distributed over 600 MT of seed potatoes, valued at more than P40 million, to over 1,000 farmers across the Cordillera Administrative Region, Bukidnon, and Davao. This has resulted in the production of approximately 34,000 MT of potatoes, with a farmgate value of about P1.36 billion. Participating farmers have seen their average annual income increase to P300,000. The program has contributed to roughly four percent of domestic potato production during its first five years. "These achievements belong to every farmer whose dedication and stewardship have transformed every harvest into a better future for their families and communities," said URC president and CEO Irwin Lee. He added that URC plans to continue expanding farmers’ access to quality agricultural inputs, technical training, and market opportunities as the program moves into its next phase. Furthermore, the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation has provided scholarships to 18 children of farmers, with many attending Benguet State University. The scholarship initiative has already produced eight graduates, with six more expected this year and the rest on track to finish by 2028 and 2029. The foundation, in partnership with the Kerry Group Philippines Foundation, also donated a greenhouse for propagating potato seedlings.