Sugar industry calls for urgent action as prices squeeze farmers

BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL — The Sugar Council and labor organizations in Negros have formally appealed to the Department of Agriculture and the Sugar Regulatory Administration to take immediate steps to address depressed mill-gate prices affecting the region's sugar sector.

The coalition, led by the Confederation of Sugar Producers Associations, has warned that current market rates pose a significant threat to the survival of local sugar farmers. The price pressures have prompted concerns across the industry about the economic sustainability of farming operations throughout the province.

The appeals come as stakeholders seek government intervention to stabilize market conditions and protect farming livelihoods. Industry representatives have emphasized the urgency of the situation, pointing to the cascading effects low prices have on farming communities dependent on sugar production.

The Sugar Regulatory Administration and Department of Agriculture have not yet issued a formal response to the industry's request for intervention. The call for action reflects ongoing challenges in the agricultural sector as producers face volatile commodity pricing in international markets.