Philippines : Rising sugar, molasses prices bring relief to farmers
Rising sugar and molasses prices have eased pressure on Philippine farmers, particularly in Negros Occidental. Sugar prices climbed to ₱2,300–₱2,400 per bag and molasses exceeded ₱9,000 per ton. SRA’s export program drove the recovery, prompting calls for unity and long-term industry solutions.
BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines — Rising sugar and molasses prices have brought much-needed relief to farmers, particularly in Negros Occidental, prompting Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) board member David Sanson to urge greater unity among planters and federations to sustain the gains through long-term solutions for the industry.
In a statement on Sunday, Sanson said sugar prices rose to P2,300–P2,400 per 50-kilogram bag, while molasses surpassed P9,000 per ton after remaining at P2,100–P2,200 for more than three months. He noted that northern mills have already posted significant increases and expressed hope that southern mills would soon follow.
“We are grateful that sugar and molasses prices have gone up since last week. This is a welcome relief for our farmers,” Sanson said.
He attributed the price recovery largely to the export program approved by the SRA board, which he said had been planned as early as November last year but initially faced opposition from some federations and stakeholders.
These groups, Sanson said, instead pushed for a declaration from the SRA and the Department of Agriculture barring sugar importation until December 2026, believing prices would adjust on their own.
‘Total failure’
“We have proven that approach was a total failure. By moving forward with the export program they opposed, farmers are now benefiting from better sugar and molasses prices,” Sanson said.
He warned that the industry cannot afford a repeat of recent months when prices fell below break-even levels, particularly hurting small farmers.
Sanson called on planters and federations to set aside differences and work together on a long-term plan addressing production, pricing and marketing to ensure stable and equitable returns.
He also urged mill districts to strengthen cooperation with the SRA in addressing the Red Stripe Syndrome Infestation or RSSI, noting that while some mills are already producing and distributing effective fungicides, broader support from all mills and local government units is needed.
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Source : Inquirer Net
