DA engages R-10 cassava buyers to address pricing concerns

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Following initial discussions held early in the third quarter of this year, the Department of Agriculture (DA), through its National and Regional Corn programs, convened a stakeholders’ meeting on September 17 with major fresh cassava tuber buyers across Northern Mindanao (NorMin). The meeting aimed to set a reasonable and sustainable pricing for both cassava buyers and growers, along with exploring additional forms of support for stakeholders in Region 10.

It gathered key processors—Bio Green Processing and Manufacturing, Inc. and Phil Agro Industrial, Corp. from Bukidnon, and San Miguel Foods, Inc. and Daesang Philippines, Corp. from Misamis Oriental—with current buying prices ranging from PhP3.00 to PhP3.50 per kilogram.

NorMin continues to be one of the leading cassava-growing regions, with 15,582 Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA)-enrolled cassava farmers contributing to a total production of 633,397.62 metric tons in 2024, according to PSA data.

Leading the discussions were Deputy Director Engr. Maria Christine C. Inting and technical consultant Candido B. Damo, PhD of the DA National Corn Program (NCP).

For the DA-NCP’s part, Damo outlined major interventions to enhance cassava production for starch processing in the agricultural supply chain. These include the provision of cassava seed pieces, fertilizers, production and cluster development training, as well as agricultural machinery and equipment such as farm tractors, hauling trucks, and weighing scales for 2025–2028.

In support of the sector’s development, among the discussions of the body was the plan to expand international market linkages to boost opportunities and increase sourcing from local farmers.

Also tackled was the revival of the cassava starch processors’ association in the region and the formation of a joint growers and processors group to better advocate for the industry’s growth.

To protect local producers, cassava processors were urged to submit a resolution to increase tariffs on imported cassava starch, in coordination with and under the guidance of the DA. They also expressed interest in exploring the conversion of cassava waste from starch plants into value-added products to enhance sustainability and profitability.

“Tulungan natin ang industriya ng cassava para sa economic development ng buong Pilipinas…sama-sama sa cassava!,” Dir. Inting remarked in her closing message.

This ongoing dialogue underscores the DA’s commitment to building a food-secure and sustainable agricultural sector under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration by strengthening partnerships between the public and private sectors, particularly within the cassava industry. The agency intends to elevate these discussions to the national level for policy consideration.# (JLO)