Seed potato systems in the Philippines : a case study

In cooperation with foreign donors, the government has embarked on a production expansion program that centers on the development or introduction of better adapted varieties and the provision of healthy seed material. Despite these efforts, the Philippine seed system remains dominated by informal, farmer-based production, which is hampered by insufficient supplies and low quality of seed. This evaluation of the country"s seed system begins with a discussion of trends related to potato production, consumption, and marketing. The system"s physical and socioeconomic environment is then described, along with related government activities. Subsequent sections follow the chain of activities in the seed system, including breeding programs, the initial creation of seed supplies, and the multiplication of seed supplies, including the organization of farmer cooperators for bulk multiplication and quality control. Final sections discuss the work of the private sector and the components of crop protection and storage.