By JEN BAYLON
The Sugar Council emphasized the need for a logical, transparent and consultative importation program following the suggestion of the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) to import sugar to address the looming supply shortage due to the El Niño phenomenon.
In its letter to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., the Sugar Council urged the Department of Agriculture to determine an import program “based on a timely analysis of market conditions, in consultation with industry stakeholders, prior to the start of the new milling season,” stating that they did not dismiss the SRA’s suggestion for the importation.
The Sugar Council — composed of the Confederation of Sugar Producers Association Inc., the National Federation of Sugarcane Planters Inc., and the Panay Federation of Sugarcane Farmers, Inc. — said that while importing sugar could stabilize the retail market in light of insufficient local production, it should be done in consultation with stakeholders, particularly sugar farmers.
The group said the country may not need to import raw or refined sugar until early next year, unless there is a significant increase in withdrawals.
However, the Sugar Council acknowledged that this may change, stating they would be interested in reviewing the SRA’s timely analysis of market conditions.
The group warned that if imported sugar is allowed to enter the domestic market before it is actually needed, it could cause a drop in the mill gate prices of local sugar, which would have a devastating effect on sugar farmers.
The council also said that over importation could irreversibly damage the sugar industry as this could make it easier to bring in imported agricultural products, including sugar, which could compete with and displace demand for other commodities.
President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. issued Administrative Order (AO) No. 20 on April 18, which mandated the Department of Agriculture to streamline import procedures and policies by removing non-tariff barriers.
AO 20 aims to promote transparency and predictability in policies concerning the importation of agricultural products to ensure food security and maintain a sufficient supply of goods.
The Sugar Council, in its letter to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, emphasized the need for safety nets to be put in place to protect sugar farmers./JB, WDJ