Manila: The Philippines has massive potential to tap both booming export and growing domestic markets for enoki mushrooms, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. highlighted several countries with high demand for enoki mushrooms, noting that the Philippines has the land and capability to meet this demand. He mentioned Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, some parts of China, and the Middle East as potential markets during a market inspection at New Las Pi±as City Public Market.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. emphasized the trade potential of enoki mushrooms for international markets during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA). Alongside promising export opportunities, a growing local market offers another lucrative avenue for domestic enoki mushroom production.

Tiu Laurel expressed confidence in the increasing local consumption of enoki mushrooms, noting their popularity when wrapped in bacon. Currently, the Philippines imports approximately 6,200 metric tons of enoki mushrooms annually to meet local demand.

Despite high global demand, the country relies on only one modern facility for local enoki production. To scale up production and capture these markets, Tiu Laurel encouraged eligible farmers to access government credit programs through the Agricultural Credit Policy Council.

He stated that enoki farming could succeed anywhere in the country provided the necessary equipment is available, though cooler areas may be more suitable.