FPA educates RFO-8 RMC members on fertilizer price and BFS

Written by Francis Salvador B. Costas, Regional Director of FPA RFU VIII  l  Published: 17 June 2022

TACLOBAN CITY | June 15, 2022 - FPA RFU 8 discussed the fertilizer current price status and inventory of 6-major grades in the region including the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) during the Regional Management Council (RMC) meeting last June 7, 2022, at Madison Hotel, Tacloban City.

Regional Officer (RO) Francis Salvador Costas shared that 90% of the fertilizers in the Philippines are imported. Consequently, fertilizer prices are affected by global concerns such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ukraine-Russian War, fuel price inflation, etc. In addition, fertilizer-producing countries are prioritizing local consumption, thus, lesser inputs are available for importation.

RO Costas presented a table showing the prices of 6-major fertilizer grades per 50kg bag in Eastern Visayas as of June 2, 2022:

He explained that the average prices for these major grades include the import price, transport and logistic costs like custom’s duties, wharfage, arastre, among others, and the margins of importer, distributor and dealer.

He further added, “the DA and FPA, along with other agencies, are currently promoting the BFS program to lessen the reliance on chemical fertilizers. BFS Program is the application of fertilizer through maximum utility through the application of 4Rs: right nutrient, right quantity, right method and right time. This strategy ensures that the farmers yield a more optimum quality produce but less production cost.”

The purpose of the RMC meeting is to harmonize and update line agencies' regional programs and operations. FPA RFU 8 has pledged to intervene and promote innovative technologies and alternative strategies to assist farmers and improve the agricultural sector in Eastern Visayas. ###