A project run by Universal Robina Corp (URC) and the Philippine government has provided a valuable boost to the country’s potato growers during the Covid-19 pandemic, reports Liam O’Callaghan for Asia Fruit magazine.
In 2018 URC partnered with the government to launch the Sustainable Potato Programme to provide growers with quality potato seed, training and research.
Since then URC has proved imported Granola potato seed from Canada to several farming communities. The Programme has helped growers increase their yield fivefold, bolstering the industry through the disruptions of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In 2019, a group of farmers went on a five-day training course in Canada as part of URC’s collaboration with the Prince Edward Island Potato Board. There, they learned new techniques on seeding and planting, soil management, storage and other key practices. Laurent Levan, URC’s senior vice president for corporate development and external affairs said the initiative had been a win for all involved.
