NEGROS Occidental planter group Asociacion de Agricultores de La Carlota y Pontevedra, Inc. (AALCPI) said that the government’s plan to import 200,000 metric tons (MT) of sugar should be scaled back to 50,000 MT, the volume previously agreed with the government during consultations.
“Right now, we have enough supply, milling is ongoing so what balancing act between supply and demand is Mr. Serafica talking about. An initial order of 50,000 MT as suggested by industry stakeholders would suffice,” AALCPI President Roberto J. Cuenca said, referring to sugar administrator Hermenegildo R. Serafica.
Mr. Cuenca said that during consultations with the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), producers agreed to imports in tranches of 50,000 MT towards the close of the milling season.
AALCPI added that 200,000 MT is “too big and definitely should not have been granted at this time.”
“(This) will have a disastrous effect in the sugar industry, particularly among the small sugar producers. We were never informed and yet Mr. Serafica knows we are the biggest group in so far as membership is concerned, and mostly of small sugar farmers,” it added.
Signed on Feb. 2, Sugar Order No. 3 authorizes imports of 200,000 MT of sugar to stabilize rising prices and augment supply in typhoon-hit areas.
“Mr. Serafica also knows we are in the midst of milling season and any importation order now will have a ripple effect,” Mr. Cuenca said.
“He should take time to consult small farmers so he can personally hear their appeals as many cannot afford to even replant for the next crop year if this situation continues,” he added. – Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson
