Agriculture
URC expands potato trials to lift farmer incomes
Potato farmers in Benguet are testing seven new varieties alongside the familiar Granola in a bid to raise productivity, widen planting options and strengthen the commercial viability of one of the Cordillera’s key vegetable crops.
DA indefinitely suspends raw ube exports to secure planting materials
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has indefinitely suspended exports of fresh purple yam, or ube, to shore up scarce planting material as the Philippines seeks to expand domestic production and turn the crop into a bigger export earner.
Benguet potato farmers test new varieties, boost incomes in long-running sustainable program
Potato farmers across Benguet’s vegetable-growing highlands have begun harvesting crops planted just months ago, with this year’s harvest bringing new promise alongside familiar yields.
USDA raises 2026 Philippine pork output, import forecasts
The Philippine hog sector is recovering faster than expected from African swine fever, but rising pork demand will keep the country heavily dependent on imports, according to the US Department of Agriculture.
Tiu Laurel urges ASEAN-India cooperation on food security risks
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. called for stronger ASEAN-India collaboration Wednesday at the Ninth ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry, warning that geopolitical tensions, climate shocks, and volatile farm input costs threaten regional food supplies.
