While there is a wide need for natural dyeing materials for the textile and handicraft industries, food coloring and cosmetics, the production in quantity remains wanting. Most of those engaged in the plantation establishment and processing/extraction of natural dyes for application in natural fibers/fabrics are the indigenous people and rural folks involved in small-scale and village industries (Aragones,2001). So far, the revival of the natural dye industry had been spearheaded in the provinces of Abra and Ifugao. The province of Abra was able to produce 72,000kgs of raw dye sources and 14,400 gallons liquid extract valued at PhP 2.520M and PhP 2,592M, respectively. It was reported that about 30 hectares of land in 21 out of 27 municipalities of Abra are planted with 350,000 dye-yielding trees (CCFPI et al. 1998).

With respect to the country’s export of natural dye resources, a “Katutubong Filipino Foundation” study reported exports to several countries in Asia and Europe, the United States and United Kingdom. The most substantial of which was recorded at 54 tons of natural dyes valued at US$258,000 in 1993. In terms of the domestic trade performance, the NSO (2002) reported the value for dyeing, tanning and colouring materials amounting to PhP8.6M with a corresponding quantity of 43.91 tons for the Second Quarter 2001.

Demand for dyes and colouring materials is greatly influenced by the textile and food industries as well as the renewed interest for naturally/organically produced products.