Roxas: Farmers from some of the country's major rice-producing areas backed calls to restore the regulatory functions of the National Food Authority (NFA), Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said Friday. Tiu Laurel highlighted that Isabela farmers also support the amendment of the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) to enable the NFA to protect them from unscrupulous traders and intervene in the market by selling rice when necessary.

According to Philippines News Agency, Tiu Laurel expressed concern regarding the RTL, emphasizing the need for amendments. He conveyed that farmers in Isabela are advocating for changes to improve the rice industry's operations. Tiu Laurel reiterated that restoring the NFA's powers under the RTL is essential for establishing a floor price for palay (unhusked rice), ensuring that it covers the production costs incurred by farmers.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) estimates the production cost of palay to be between PHP12/kg to PHP14/kg. This is higher than the PHP10 per kg. reported by farmers as the buying price offered by traders in certain areas during the end of the harvest season. Implementing regulatory powers would allow the NFA to maintain a registry of both farmers and traders, aiding in monitoring palay procurement prices. Countries such as India, Thailand, and Indonesia have implemented similar floor price measures for traders.

Tiu Laurel also addressed concerns related to the misuse of the government's 'Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na' program. He assured farmers that discussions with rice traders are planned for the following week to prevent them from exploiting the PHP20 rice program at the expense of farmers.