Gov’t extends sugar ban to aid farmers

The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) have extended the sugar import moratorium to protect farmers’ incomes while stabilizing local supply and consumer prices.

In a statement on Friday, the DA and SRA said the ban on sugar imports will remain in place until the end of the current harvest, or possibly longer, as domestic raw sugar production has strengthened and local supply needs to be prioritized.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the policy, first announced on 15 October, could run through the end of the milling season or even until December, depending on actual stock levels after last year’s improved output.

“I have instructed SRA Administrator Pablo Azcona to monitor local sugar refinery production and provide regular updates closely, so we maintain an accurate picture of our standard and premium grade refined stocks,” Tiu Laurel said.

He noted that refined sugar is produced entirely from locally grown raw sugar.

Alongside the import ban, the DA and SRA are finalizing long-delayed rules on molasses imports to further shield domestic producers.

Under the proposed framework, molasses users must first buy and withdraw local supply before imports are allowed, based on a pre-determined ratio and subject to SRA approval.

To support falling farmgate prices, the agencies will also implement a government buying program for raw sugar, with purchases held as buffer stock for up to 90 days.

Tiu Laurel said the move came after months of consultations with industry stakeholders that failed to reach a consensus. “We can no longer afford to sacrifice our farmers,” he said.

Under the new plan, the SRA will buy up to 400,000 metric tons of raw sugar to be held as reserve stock for 90 days, supporting the allocation of a 100,000-metric-ton raw sugar export quota to the United States.