Confed backs no allocation for sugar quota 2021

THE Confederation of Sugar Producers (Confed) backs Sugar Order No. 1 of the Sugar Regulatory Board, which allocates the coming sugar crop to “All B” (domestic) as proposed.

Confed and other federations pushed for the proposal which means no allocation for the US quota in 2021, Raymond Montinola, president of Confed, said in a statement.

This move, according to the Montinola, is highly appreciated as it will help sugar producers meet the rising costs of production and cope with the effects of a “back to back” La Niña.

He said production has dropped over the last four years due to adverse weather aside from a reduction in planted area.

Efforts to improve productivity are being undertaken by the industry, but challenges remain.

Montinola noted the increasing prices of fertilizers, fuel and equipment maintenance, plus labor and other production costs.

Confed is supportive of the review of the Sugarcane Industry Road Map, which is ongoing and will likely point to the need for soil amelioration, better cultural practices, farm mechanization, increased use of high-yielding varieties, and more intensive extension services especially to small planters and block farms.

Confed is also calling for more efficient and effective use of the Sugar Industry Development Act fund allocations and urges all stakeholders to pursue productivity improvement measures with more vigor, in concert with Sugar Regulatory Administration, Directory of Mill District Development Council, Philippine Sugar Millers Association and Philippine Sugar Research Institute.

At the same time, Confed said the industry should not forget the labor sector and continue to support its socio-economic development arms such as the Sugar Industry Foundation, Inc. and other sugar industry foundations that provide education, livelihood and skills development opportunities for farm and mill workers’ families.

Montinola also appealed for local governments and planters to address the possible emergence of malnutrition and health-related problems among children of farmworkers, especially those of school age in these trying times.

We all need to focus our collective efforts on keeping the industry viable and beneficial for all its stakeholders.

“We hope that the proposed Sugar Industry Development Council will provide the venue needed for a united, industry-wide effort,” Montinola said.

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