Bureau of Plant Industry Director Gerald Glenn F. Panganiban said the Department of Agriculture is floating the idea of a purple yam (ube) exporter association to set standards and meet growing international demand for the crop, as reported by BusinessWorld.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. met with members of the ube industry last week to discuss the proposal. The association would help standardize production and processing practices, ensuring consistent quality for international buyers.
The move comes as global demand for ube-based products rises, particularly in North America and Asia. The DA sees the association as crucial for establishing the Philippines as a reliable supplier of high-quality purple yam.