NORTHERN MINDANAO | March 14, 2022 – FPA Deputy Executive Director for Fertilizer Dr. Myer G. Mula emphasized the importance of Balanced Fertilization Strategy, during his visit here on March 7-9, 2022, in mitigating reliance to inorganic fertilizer while addressing the plight of farmers due to rising cost of fertilizer.

Balanced Fertilization Strategy or BFS refers to the application of specific-site nutrients to the soil in optimum quantities in the right proportion through appropriate methods at a right time suited for specific crops. It is commonly the usage foliar fertilizer, and combined organic and inorganic inputs to the soil to help enhance soil health and prevent decline of soil fertility. BFS is a program of the Department of Agriculture of which Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority is one of the implementing agencies.

In Misamis Occidental, Dr. Mula presented appropriate strawberry farming technologies to the Nueva Vista Strawberry and Vegetables Farmers Association for a more optimal production rate. Meanwhile, Northern Mindanao Regional Officer Ma. Sonia Calleja explained the rising prices of fertilizer and the interventions initiated by the DA and FPA. She also taught the farmers cost-effective fertilization techniques to improve their yield while preserving soil health.

Dr. Mula also announced the ongoing revisions of the Fertilizer Regulatory Policies and Implementing Guidelines or the Blue Book by the Fertilizer Regulations Division (FRD). Major updates and revisions will include: a) removal of the fertilizer provisional registration; b) requiring the publication of bio-efficacy data generated before product registration; c) creating guidelines for through fertilizer inventory; and d) setting policies with regards to fertilizer prices such as the use of QR code to every fertilizer bag.

Fertilizer bulk blenders and formulators consulted with Dr. Mula regarding the importance of experimental use permits (EUP) and bio-efficacy data generation to ascertain the quality of fertilizer products.

Dr. Mula visited Mayor Angel Yap of the Lala Municipality and Mayor Rosa Olaffson of the Baroy Municipality to share with them the current FPA rules and regulations.

Sources:

Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority. (2022). Operations Manual. Retrieved from https://fpa.da.gov.ph/NW/index.php/about-us/manual/blue-book

Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority. (2019). Fertilizer Regulatory Policies and Implementing Guidelines. Retrieved from https://fpa.da.gov.ph/NW/index.php/about-us/manual/blue-book