Luzon, Mindanao Sugar Farmers Back DA, SRA

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By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY—The Sugar Regulatory Administration said sugar farmers from Mindanao and Luzon have expressed support for the Department of Agriculture and the SRA amid a verbal row with National Federation of Sugarcane Planters President Enrique Rojas over sugar price declines attributed to alleged oversupply.

In a statement sent to the Daily Guardian on Monday, the SRA said sugar farmers from Mindanao and Luzon delivered letters of appreciation and support to the DA and SRA for suspending sugar imports for Crop Year 2024-25 until after the current harvest season, when the country’s actual production will be clear.

Former lawmaker Manuel Antonio Zubiri, president of the Sugarcane Growers Association of Bukidnon, Inc. (SGABI), handed over the manifesto of support to SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona during the 23rd Joint Annual General Assembly of SGABI and the Sugarcane Farmers of Bukidnon Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SFBMPC) last Thursday in Bukidnon.

The Luzon Federation of Sugarcane Growers Inc. (Luzonfed) sent a similar letter of support through SRA Board Member Dave Sanson during a meeting of the Batangas Integrated Sugar Planters Multi-Purpose Cooperative on the same day in Batangas.

“We commend the DA and the SRA for their foresight and judicious decision-making. Rest assured, we stand ready to support and collaborate in any initiatives that further strengthen our agriculture industry,” Zubiri said.

He noted he was present at the August 6 stakeholders’ meeting in Manila, where the need for last crop year’s sugar imports was fully explained.

Zubiri said current production data supports the decision discussed during that meeting.

Azcona, who attended the SGABI assembly, expressed gratitude for the support of Zubiri and more than 7,000 sugar farmers at the event. He pledged to expand SRA’s presence and programs in Mindanao.

“We are in the process of expanding our research program in Mindanao, particularly in Bukidnon, to help our sugar farmers increase their yield, as we see the future of our sugar industry expanding here in Mindanao,” Azcona said.

Azcona also lauded Mindanao farmers for their 20% growth in production last crop year, in contrast to stagnant yields in other areas. He encouraged farmers to avoid premature harvesting to improve yields, noting that the drought in Negros Occidental had affected sugar purity. Bukidnon farmers, who started milling two months after mills opened in Negros, are seeing better results, he added.

The manifesto of support was also signed by SFBMPC Chair Joselin Medalla, Antonio Pizzaro of the United Sugarcane Farmers Cooperative, Rodolfo Celestial of the Bukidnon Farmers Agriculture Cooperative, and Antonio Jayag of the First Mindanao United Sugar Planters Association Inc.

“We concur with Secretary Laurel’s assessment that there is no immediate need for additional imports as the domestic supply of both raw and refined sugar remains stable and sufficient to meet projected needs,” the letter stated.

The letter emphasized that delaying sugar imports until after the harvest supports local farmers and optimizes the use of homegrown produce.

“This decision exemplifies a commitment to safeguarding the interests of the domestic agricultural sector and promoting sustainable agricultural practices,” the statement added.

Luzonfed said the suspension of sugar imports until after the harvest provides relief to sugarcane farmers who have struggled with the negative impact of excessive imports on local prices.

“We are grateful for the SRA and DA’s acknowledgment of our concerns,” Luzonfed President Cornelio Toreja said.

He noted that postponing imports until mid-2025 allows farmers to optimize harvests and promote a more sustainable industry.

Luzonfed also highlighted challenges such as El Niño, which has affected sugar yields, and expressed confidence that collaboration with the SRA and DA will bolster the sugar industry.

Sanson, who was the guest speaker in Batangas, thanked Luzonfed for its support.

“While there are detractors in the sugar industry, all SRA reports include balances with imported sugar, so claims of ignorance are amusing,” Sanson said.

He expressed appreciation for Luzonfed’s support and assured stakeholders that the sugar board considers all concerns when making policy decisions.

“As your representative on the sugar board, I will always fight for the rights of our sugar farmers, especially the small farmers who make up a significant portion of producers,” he said.

Both letters of support were handed over by Azcona to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel over the weekend.

The verbal row between Rojas and Azcona stemmed from the latter’s assertion that no additional imports are needed, which Rojas claimed was misleading. Azcona responded by urging Rojas to verify his facts.