Sugar industry stakeholders have urged the government to bring back its sugar-buying programme and examine the possibility of setting a minimum price for sugar to help safeguard farmers and maintain market stability, Manila Standard reported.
The proposals were discussed during a meeting attended by federations, millers, labour representatives and officials of the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) at the agency’s office in Bacolod on Monday.
During the meeting, stakeholders agreed to recommend revisiting the government buying programme that was approved two years ago by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.. The programme, which involved around P5 billion, was proposed by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. along with SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona.
Under the plan, the government would purchase a portion of sugar output from farmers and millers at a fixed price.
Azcona said the initiative is part of the administration’s efforts to bring the industry together and strengthen cooperation between the government and the private sector. He welcomed the participation of different stakeholders and said their agreement would help ensure the survival of the country’s sugar industry.
Industry groups said reviving the buying programme, along with the possibility of introducing a floor price policy, could provide a safety net for producers during periods of low prices while helping maintain stability in the market.
The Confederation of Sugar Producers Associations (CONFED) presented initial suggestions on how the programme could be implemented with some changes. Other stakeholders also agreed to submit their own proposals to the SRA.
The meeting also discussed concerns raised by farmers’ representative Dave Sanson regarding the possible impact of rising tensions in the Middle East on production costs, particularly fuel, fertiliser and other farm inputs.
Participants agreed to combine their recommendations in a letter that will be forwarded by the SRA to the Department of Agriculture and Malacañang Palace for consideration.
