Newly appointed Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. wants better millgate sugar prices to ensure the sustainability of farmers.
Laurel met with Administrator Pablo Azcona of the Sugar Regulatory Administration on Monday, November 6, to be briefed on the current state of the sugar industry.
“He asked how we can support and boost farmers to improve production,” Azcona told DIGICAST NEGROS.
Laurel’s target is to ensure the sustainability and self-sufficiency of sugar farmers, he added.
“He wants better millgate prices,” which are currently averaging between P2,700 to P2,750 per Lkg, Azcona said.
Sugar farmers have been pushing for millgate prices of at least P3,000 per Lkg to ensure sustainability.*