Bukidnon ube growers secure major US export contract

LANTAPAN, Bukidnon — Local farmers from the Talaandig indigenous community have secured a significant milestone for agricultural development, signing a five-year export contract to supply ube to the United States market. The agreement formalized in October positions the farming cooperative to meet growing international demand for the nutrient-rich purple yam, which has become increasingly popular in global cuisine and food manufacturing.

The contract represents a substantial opportunity for smallholder farmers in the region, many of whom have relied on traditional cultivation methods. Access to the US market through a long-term supply agreement is expected to provide stable income and incentivize expanded production capacity among participating farmers.

Ube's rising popularity extends beyond traditional Filipino desserts and snacks, with the ingredient now featured in specialty ice creams, beverages, and other food products marketed internationally. The export arrangement reflects broader recognition of Philippine agricultural products in global markets and the commercial potential of indigenous crops.

The secured contract supports economic development in Bukidnon while preserving traditional farming practices within the Talaandig community. Success in the US market may also open doors for additional export opportunities and strengthen the region's agricultural export profile in Southeast Asia.

Photo: Freshly harvested ube (purple yam) tubers in the Philippines, December 2023. Elmer Centeno Guevarra via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).