By Xander Ledesma
The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) has announced a delay in sugar importation until mid-2025 to optimize the utilization of locally produced sugar, receiving widespread support from farmers across Mindanao and Luzon.
The SRA, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture (DA), received endorsements from organizations such as the Sugarcane Growers Association of Bukidnon Inc. (SGABI) and the Luzon Federation of Sugarcane Growers and Associations (LuzonFed). These groups believe the decision will bolster the domestic sugar industry and ensure sustainable agricultural practices.
During a recent general assembly in Bukidnon, SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona thanked Mindanao farmers for their backing and emphasized the agency’s commitment to enhancing its programs in the region.
“The postponement of sugar importation demonstrates the government’s dedication to safeguarding the interests of local farmers and promoting sustainability in agriculture,” Azcona said.
In a joint manifesto, SGABI and the Sugarcane Farmers of Bukidnon Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SFBMPC) highlighted the benefits of the delay, stating that it would protect local farmers and promote the efficient use of homegrown sugar.
Azcona noted that while the sugar industry in Bukidnon showed a 20% growth in the last crop year, other regions experienced stagnant production. He advised farmers in Mindanao to avoid rushing their harvests to ensure better crop yields, as sugar milling in the region began two months later than in Negros Occidental, the nation’s top sugar producer.
Meanwhile, LuzonFed expressed gratitude for the importation delay, noting its positive impact on stabilizing local sugar prices and supporting farmers.
“This decision offers significant relief to sugarcane farmers, enabling them to optimize their harvests and contribute to a more sustainable industry,” LuzonFed President Cornelio Toreja said in a letter addressed to the SRA and DA.
SRA Board Member David Andrew Sanson, who participated in a farmers’ assembly in Batangas, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to addressing stakeholder needs and called for continued support from the industry.
The SRA also shared plans to expand its research programs in Mindanao, focusing on improving productivity and supporting the region’s growing sugar sector.