Business · Philippines Bureau
Bukidnon sugar farmers oppose expanded US export quota
Sugar planters in Bukidnon are pushing back against increased raw sugar exports to the United States, citing mounting pressures from pest infestations, fuel price volatility, and high input costs that are straining their operations.
LSN Philippines ·
QUEZON, Bukidnon — Local sugar farmers in Bukidnon have voiced strong opposition to expanded sugar exports following the United States' decision to grant an additional raw sugar export quota for fiscal year 2027.
The resistance from regional planters reflects deepening concerns about the sustainability of local sugar production amid a confluence of challenges facing the sector. Farmers across the province are contending with recurring pest infestations, unpredictable fuel prices, drought conditions linked to El Niño, and escalating costs for agricultural inputs that have squeezed profit margins.
The majority of affected planters are calling for immediate government intervention and support measures to address these operational hurdles before committing to higher export volumes. Industry representatives argue that expanding exports without addressing underlying production constraints could further destabilize the local sugar industry and compromise farmers' livelihoods.
The dispute underscores ongoing tensions between export commitments and domestic agricultural sustainability in the Philippine sugar sector, a key revenue generator for Mindanao's rural economy.