The URC continuously conducts intensive research on the varietal improvement of Special Purpose Rice through hybridization. To date, they were able to develop three kinds of special-purpose rice, namely white aromatic, pigmented, and sticky rice. Using the conventional or traditional method (through hybridization), five new varieties were applied for Plant Variety Protection in January 2020 which include: white aromatic – CLS-5, CLS-6; pigmented – CLS-7; and sticky rice – CLS4, CLS-9.

Thirty (30) Sunflower accessions from different sources were characterized using a modified scoring system using the International “Board for Plant Genetic Resources – Descriptors for Cultivated and Wild Sunflower” and “International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants” during 2019-20 season. Oil composition analysis was done on 18 sunflower varieties using GCMS and standard fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) mix. Oleic and elaidic forms of unsaturated fatty acids were recorded. 16 varieties had oil content of 1.78 to 13.9 ml of oil per 50g of sunflower seeds, indicating their potential for oil for food. While the shelf life of sunflower as cut flower was done for the 30 accessions.

Aquashade technology involves installation of netting materials over the pond to provide shade during summer months. Tilapia growers may reap the benefits of this technology, which reduces water temperature by more than 3°C (degree Celsius) and expects to increase spawning rate and seed/fry production by more than 100 percent in both pond-based and hapa-based seed production systems. It aids tilapia production in the Philippines, which is greatly affected by increasing water temperature especially during warm months of the year.

The forage-based pellet feeds are customized feeds for lactating goats to ensure higher milk production and profitable dairy goat enterprise. It is basically nutritionally balanced and productivity enhancer.

Dairy goat production is one of the activities of the Small Ruminant Center through which they develop and produce food products with goat’s milk as based ingredient. To date, the Center has developed pasteurized goat’s milk, choco milk, and goat’s milk ice cream with a variety of flavors.

Bacterial pathogens in freshwater tilapia aquaculture are responsible for mortalities. This laboratory-based rapid detection test kit for A. hydrophila and E. faecalis was developed using colloidal gold nanoparticle-based DNA probes. It can be stored up to three months at room temperature without affecting its sensitivity and specificity which can be used in kitchen-type laboratories.

An instant meal designed as a disaster/mitigation relief food with aromatic rice as the main ingredient. This product was developed by the RM-CARES in partnership with the College of Home Science and Industry.

The URC developed functional or calamity foods using aromatic brown rice processed to produce flour as main ingredient. These are instant aromatic brown rice champorado, biscuit, rice burger, and ready-to-fry crackers.

This method utilizes hydroponics and introduces the vertical way of producing vegetables. This practice requires less space compared with conventional farming as leafy vegetables are planted in high vertical pots. It also uses an automated timer to irrigate the crops; thereby reducing time and labor work.

The Mobile Solar Pump Irrigation System (SPIS) equipment is designed to provide reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable energy for decentralized irrigation services in a growing number of settings. SPIS can save up to 1 peso per cubic meter of water rather than the conventional fuel-powered pump. Also, it allows the farmers to save more inputs because SPIS requires minimal maintenance.

The Cara Cuero meaning Carabao Leather Hide was inspired by the brands of Hermes, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Dior. The various products of Cara Cuero are bags, belts, sandals, wallets, and shoes that are made of pure carabao hide customized in Meycauayan, Bulacan.

A solar-powered multi-purpose farm vehicle was developed to perform different agricultural activities such as service vehicle, hauler using a trailer, grain mixer for pavement sun drying, and as a power source for water pump used for surface irrigation.

The Ground Heat Exchanger System was used for aeroponics, which analyzes soil temperature to control the environment. When soil reaches a certain heat level, the system sends signals to provide cooling mist to the root zones of the crops to regulate temperature. It has been successfully applied in vertically grown crops such as strawberries, lettuce, and other leafy vegetables even during the off seasons, hence can provide more stable income for producers.

Seeing the potential of dragon fruit peel as a source of antioxidants and other bioactive agents, the peels from white and red dragon fruit varieties were utilized and applied in food systems like granola bars, syrup, chips, and gummy bears; cosmetic formulations like liquid soap; body scrub, and facial masks; and paper and handicrafts. These products were subjected to a physicochemical, nutritional analysis, and sensory evaluation. The analysis revealed promising results and displayed comparable attributes between the developed products and their commercially available counterparts.