The United States has committed US$34.1 million (approximately PHP2 billion) to support the development of the Philippines’ purple yam industry, known locally as ube, as international demand for the crop continues to grow.
The funding, announced by US Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton on October 22, 2026, will support an agricultural development programme expected to benefit approximately 12,500 Filipino ube farmers over five years.
The initiative will be funded through proceeds from the sale of nearly 40,000 metric tons of American soybean meal under the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food for Progress programme. US-based non-profit organisation TechnoServe will implement the project, working to strengthen the Philippine ube value chain and improve the industry’s production capacity.
The announcement comes as the Philippines seeks to establish ube as a more competitive agricultural export. The crop has gained international attention for its distinctive purple colour and is increasingly used in desserts, ice cream, baked goods and other food products.
US Funding to Support Farmers and Industry Development
According to the US Embassy in Manila, the five-year programme is intended to help Filipino farmers respond to growing international demand while strengthening agricultural cooperation between the two countries.
Lipton said the initiative would also contribute to the longstanding economic relationship between Washington and Manila.
“This award will further strengthen the US-Philippines diplomatic and economic partnership, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year,” Lipton said.
The programme will be delivered through TechnoServe, which will provide technical expertise and support for the development of the agricultural value chain.
The funding structure also connects American agricultural exports with development initiatives in the Philippines. Revenue generated from selling nearly 40,000 metric tons of US soybean meal will finance the project rather than being distributed as direct payments to individual farmers.
The Philippines was previously selected as one of seven priority countries under the USDA’s Food for Progress initiative. The programme aims to support agricultural development and improve food security through partnerships with eligible organisations.
Philippines Seeks to Increase Ube Production
Despite growing international interest, the Philippines faces challenges in meeting demand for its purple yam. Limited access to quality planting materials, fragmented farming operations and insufficient post-harvest facilities have affected the industry’s ability to expand production.
In response, the Philippine government has been working to increase domestic cultivation and improve the crop’s export potential.
The Department of Agriculture has separately allocated PHP300 million to expand the country’s ube production capacity. Its initial plan includes adding 1,000 hectares of cultivation area during the first year, with the longer-term objective of at least doubling domestic output.
The government has also suspended exports of fresh purple yam to protect limited planting stocks and prioritise domestic production. The measure comes amid increasing competition from countries such as Vietnam and China.
Ube’s growing popularity in international food markets has created opportunities for Filipino farmers and food manufacturers. However, expanding production will require improvements across the supply chain, including planting materials, farming practices, processing facilities and market access.
The US-funded initiative is expected to complement the Philippine government’s domestic efforts by helping farmers strengthen production and connect with international markets.
The programme forms part of broader agricultural and economic cooperation between the Philippines and the United States, as both countries seek to develop the commercial potential of the crop.
The United States has committed US$34.1 million to support the development of the Philippines’ ube industry, with the five-year programme expected to benefit around 12,500 Filipino farmers. The funding will come from proceeds generated through the sale of nearly 40,000 metric tons of American soybean meal and will be implemented by US-based non-profit organisation TechnoServe.
The initiative aims to increase domestic production, strengthen agricultural supply chains and help Filipino farmers access growing international markets. The funding comes as the Philippine government works to expand ube cultivation and protect limited planting stocks amid rising global demand for purple yam products.
