BACOLOD CITY – The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) is being asked to explain the declines in the price of sugar and molasses, which has severely impacted the livelihoods of planters, millers, and stakeholders across the country, as reported by the Confederation of Sugar Producers Associations Inc. (CONFED).
Negros Occidental 5th district Rep. Emilio Bernardino Yulo also called on the SRA to be transparent in explaining to small farmers the decline in prices of sugar to between P2,250 to P2270, which is below the cost of production.
In an interview with DYHB-RMN, Yulo wants SRA to take immediate action on shrinking sugar prices.
The solon disclosed that farmers could recover if the price is between P2,400 to P2,500 per 50 kilogram-bag.
In an open letter to SRA head Pablo Luis Azcona, which was issued and signed by its president, Aurelio Gerardo Valderrama Jr, and posted in the social media, CONFED stated “We write to express our concern over the worsening state of the sugar industry, particularly the steep decline in both sugar and molasses prices compared to last year, which severely impact the livelihoods of planters, millers, and stakeholders across the country.”
“At the heart of this crisis is a series of policy decisions – most notably the over-importation of sugar and molasses, that have flooded the market, depressed prices, and left producers without buyers or bargaining power,” Valderrama said.
Compounding the problem, according to the CONFED president, is the unmonitored influx of artificial sweeteners, which has further disrupted market demand.
These developments have triggered what can only be described as a full-blown market destabilization, Valderrama said.
The situation we now face is not simply an unfortunate market trend but the consequences of poor planning, lack of coordination, and failure to protect the industry from foreseeable risks.
CONFED wants to know the SRA action plan to stabilize prices of sugar and molasses, protective measures to prevent further losses, address the oversupply and regulation, or for monitoring the use of artificial sweeteners that is blamed for the displacement of locally produced sugar.
It further said that they are open to collaborate with SRA, provided that all discussions are conducted in an inclusive, transparent, and honest manner.
Given the recent corruption scandals that have rocked the country, CONFED said it strongly urged Azcona to act decisively, in full view and with the interest of the people who stand to lose the most. (Gilbert Bayoran via tvds)