The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) met with local sugar producers, millers, and labor representatives this week to discuss ways to address current challenges in the sugar sector.
The agency said the discussions focused on controlling the entry of artificial sweeteners and reviewing the government’s sugar-buying program, first implemented two years ago. The program buys a portion of farmers’ and millers’ sugar at a set price to prevent millgate prices from dropping below production costs. Local producers have already submitted proposed changes, and more are expected. Suggestions include setting a government-mandated floor price for sugar.
The SRA also noted concerns about rising fuel, fertilizer, and other costs due to the conflict in the Middle East and said the government may consider assistance to mitigate these impacts.
SRA administrator Pablo Luis Azcona expressed hope that the government and private sector will work together to support local sugar producers.
Market monitoring shows that as of March 11, retail sugar prices in the National Capital Region were P82.26 per kg for refined sugar, P74.93 for washed sugar, and P73.42 for brown sugar. Mill site prices have fallen slightly, with a 50-kg bag now at P2,271.71 as of February 22, down 6 percent from February 15.
