NFA resumes rice procurement

Despite being reduced as the state’s mere rice watchdog and in charge with stockpiling the grain for use during calamities and emergencies only, the National Food Authority (NFA) is continuing with its procurement role.

This, as the agency prepares to procure a sizeable portion of the summer crop harvest starting this month to accommodate and help farmers sell their harvests at higher farmgate prices.

The approval of RA 11203 or the Rice Liberalization Law has trimmed down NFA’s functions, requiring the agency to focus on buffer stocking for calamities and emergencies, and sourcing its buffer stocks from local farmers.

In Isabela, the NFA has advised farmers and cooperatives to proceed in its 14 warehouses where they can sell their rice harvests.

Among its buying stations are Santiago Triplex, Mabi Ramon FLGC, Bugallon Proper, Cordon FSW, Turod Sur, and NPGC White Triplex warehouses.

They can also bring their products to Sinabbaran, Alicia FLGC, San Mateo Duplex, San Manuel GID, District No. 3, Roxas GID No. 1, Gamu Duplex and Burgos FLGC warehouses.