CLIPPINGS FOR MONDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2023 SEC. PBBM QUOTED MANILA BULLETIN No need to impose new rice price eap— DA DA FAMILY THE PHILIPPINE STAR DA: Rice supply stable until Q1 of 2024 PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER Palay output forecast to hit record high this year MANILA BULLETIN What food summits may need to discuss THE MANILA TIMES Record palay harvest possible this year - DA MALAYA BUSINESS INSIGHT. DA sees record palay harvest this year BUSINESS WORLD DA sets best — case scenario for palay output at 20Million MT BUSINESS MIRROR DA tests red onion seeds in Davao de Oro PEOPLE’S JOURNAL, House to continue price watch AGRI-RELATED STORY THE MANILA TIMES SEARCA, Unilab provide health financial literacy farmers BUSINESS MIRROR Sen, Villar cites co-ops’ role in boosting local economy devt FOREIGN STORY MALAYA BUSINESS INSIGHT Corn futures retreat India prices retreat; Vietnam’s increase BUSINESS WORLD Brazil’s Lula vetoes bill favored by farm lobby restricting Indigenous land claims Cocoa hits highest price in a century Corn ends below $5/ bushel Ukraine’s grain sector losses could exceed $3.2 billion in 2023 EI Nifio to continue into mid — 2024 FAO BUSINESS MIRROR “AI, digital tools make agrifood system climate- resilient? ‘The US is losing the race with Brazil for soybean dominancea LIBRARY yk pepT. OF AGRICULTURE Page___of.Page ofas LIBRARY WK DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE - Palay output forecast to hit record high this year By JordeeneB.Lagare @Jordeenelagare Despite the El Nifio phenome: | tomate : ena e) production to reach 20 million metric tons (M1) this year, the highest in the Philippines if achieved, due to better harvest conditions. ‘Agriculture Undersecretary Leocadio Sebastian sald that assuming the same production scenario, the DA believes it is “still possible this time” to ex- ceed the volume of palay pro- ‘duced in 2022 as aresult of high- er yields in the first six months. “Hopefully, we will reach 20 million metric tons. If not, ‘we're just a little short of that,” Sebastian said. Sebastian attributed the rosy outlook to the current har- ‘vest season, which he described as “fine,” adding that no strong ‘typhoon has hit the Philippines so far, ‘only heavy rains and pest outbreaks in some areas.” province. -NiRO JESUS ORBETA He told reporters that the DA was assessing the impact of ‘Typhoon “Egay” (international ‘name: Doksuri) on the agricul- ture sector, particularly rice, and other weather disturbances that hit the country this year. ‘The agriculture sector sus- tained P4.66 billion in losses due to the combined effects of Egay and Typhoon “Falcon” (international name: Khanun), ‘which wiped gut P19 billion ‘worth of rice, or almost 40 per- BUMPER HARVEST SEEN Farmers take advantage of the sunny ‘weather to dry their harvest of palay in Apalit town, Pampanga cent of the total losses. Cropping season adjustment To maximize production, the DA is in coordination with the National Irrigation Admin- istration to study the adjust- ‘ment of the cropping season as part of “huge reforms” in the rice sector, according to Agri- ‘culture Undersecretary Mer- cedita Sombilla. “if they're able to shift the planting season twice in the dry season, the yields are very ‘much higher than during the ‘wet season,” Sombilla said. Palay output reached 903 ‘MT in the first semester of 2023, upby34percent from &7million MT in the same period a year ‘ago, based on the data from the Philippine Statistics Authority. ‘The January to June pro- duction ‘represents 457 per- cent of the 1976 million MT of the output recorded the previ- ‘ous year. However, last year’s production is lower than the record high of 19,96 million MT attained in 2021 Earlier, Sebastian said the I palay harvest from the provinces of Isabela, Nueva Ecija and North Cotabato, es- ‘timated at 900,000 MT, would augment domestic supply and ‘stabilize prices. In a statement, the Presi dential Communications Office {quoted Sebastian as saying that the initial harvest of palay from the current wet season would ‘occur until September. ma Page ofNILA: BULLE Date: OF 2% 0 Page a LIBRARY x WA DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE What food summits @ may need to discuss é mS ur inflation levels remain ~ ing assistance high. The price of food, to LGUs and constituting about a third communities to. #MINDANAO to half of what makes up help consoli- ome our inflation figures, needs to be date producers brought down. To address these and their products within provinces concerns, I expect that “food sum- and seek markets for excess produce mits” and conferences will be outside the area. This means group- called soon to bring stakeholders Ing farmers into larger production together to find solutions to these units so that inputs can be sourced high prices. more cheaply, and products can be believe the first thing to do is produced in larger quantities to toget the majority, this means more supply larger demand, consumers to these summits. These. Moreover, the outputs of the include community, civic church, various agriculture research centers and business groups and enterprises _ within regions will need to be publi- such as restaurants and hotels. They _ cized to provide updated knowledge ‘may provide perspectives that oth- that farms can use. This knowledge ‘ers may not be aware of, and thus, _ is even more vital when we realize policies and solutions to lower food how changing climates and natural prices will be more holistic and ben disasters are affecting production. eficial for al Filipinos. ‘The knowledge makes the existing ‘Apart from this, there are re- farms more competitive. curring challenges that need tobe _In addition, the Department of addressed, First is that because of Environment and Natural Resoure~ our archipelagic nature, the cost of es (DENR) and the Department of transporting goods to and from var- Agrarian Reform can collaborate ious provinces is a bit higher when _ with other food-producing agencies ‘compared with countries with one to boost localized food production. and mass and a single transport _ The DARworks with agrarian reform ‘vehicle can bring goods from farm to beneficiaries to boost their produc~ market. In our case, we will need to tion, The DENR has control over load and unioad ships. Visitthe port _ public lands that can also produce of Cagayan de Oro in the early eve-_ food, and can promote agroforestry hnings to see vegetables bound forthe activities that can also supply food Visayas, This ean add time and cost particularly fruits from perennial due to additional handling. This is crops. passed on to consumers. The cost of ‘The combined efforts of these transport needs tobebrought down. three agencies can be amplified fur~ ‘The more acute challenges are ther with collaboration from other quite painful, These include in- agencies will help ensure food avail- termittent weather and disasters. ability at the local level and make ‘Throwing away food also harms farms more competitive. food production. When a strong Business and civil saciety groups typhoon hits, agricultural damage can work with the government to means there will be less of a com- ensure distribution and sales of the ‘modity available, causing prices in products to. a much wider market. the months after to rise. ‘This keeps demand for the produce For these and other reasons, 1_high, ensuring a steady market for believe that boosting local food pro- the farm. duction will be necessary, Since ag- What this means, in a nutshell, riculture, is adevolved function un- _ is a two-pronged approach: Build- der the Local Government Code, the ing a more resilient food system regional offices of the Department fot producers and consumers and ‘of Agriculture will need to boost _ getting more and cheaper food for extension support. This consists the majority will require a whole of of technical advice, and market- society effort. Page ofThe Manila Times” Date: O23, > 20%) Page: _62 Z LIBRARY IX DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE Record palay harvest Possible this year - DA BY JANINE ALEXIS MIGUEL OCAL production of palay (unmilled rice) is expected to increase this year, a senior fofficial of the Department of Agriculture usually results in better solar ra- (DA) said. Agvcutare Undersecretary for Ber indastry Development Leoc- io Sebastian said that local palay” ‘output is estimated t0 reach 20 million metric tons (MT), higher by 15 percent fom the 19.7 mil lion MT recorded output in 2022. Headded thattis also possible that palay output wll ita record high this yea. *[Weare expecting yield higher fomlastear.. iin justasmall deficit from last years output,” Sebastian told reporters on the sidelines of the 6th International Rice Congress on Oct. 19, 2023. Palay production for the third ‘quarter of tis year is expected to increase by 0.3 percent compared to the same period in 2022, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said, Data from the PSA showed that palay production for July to September was estimated at 3,80 million MP as of September, higher than the 3.79 million MT posted a year earlier. Sebastian, meanwhile, sid that the E] Niio hasnt been Feltyet as the rainy season is sill prevailing in the country. . He added that the dry season diation, maximizing production in irrigated farm lan. “ifyoursolar radiation is good, growth of palay will be better, ‘which will result ina better har- vest.” said Sebastian. ‘Asforareas with no sufficient water supply, Sebas they are taking init adjust the planting calendar to an earlier period. In terms of buying prices, the official said thatthe cost of play is ‘curently high, benefiting farmers. *{ don't hear any complaints from farmers, [which] they do every yea,” he sa. ‘Average palay prices atthe na- tional level went up to P22.16 per Jlogram (kg) in August, indicating an increase of 25.8 percent from PI7.61 perkg posted a year earlier (On Sept. 18, 2023, the Na- tional Food Authority (NFA) Council chaired by President Ferdinand Marcos J. set a new price range for buying palay to improve the income of rice farmers in the country. twas announced that the buy- ing price for dry palay would be P23 per kg fiom P19 pet kg and for wet, up from P19 per kg from P16 ke, respectively “The President said the move ‘was aimed at improving farmers’ income and ensuring sufficient supply ofthe staple. Page__ofMalaya Business Date: OO" Z LIBRARY TAC vept. oF AGRICULTURE Insight 2220 Page DA sees record palay harvest this year [BY JED MACAPAGAL ‘THE country could experience record palay harvest this year de~ spite the expected effects of the El OM sevasinn, DA under retary for rice industry devel- ‘opment, told reporters on the sidelines of a forum hosted by the International Rice Research Insticae last week that local palay production this year can “hope- fully” ceach up to 20 million metric tons (MT) of just slightly below that figure In 2021, Philippine local rice production hit a record 19.96 million MT, but slightly loneronent of Ryo dropped to 19.76 million MT last year, "The DA said the optimistic projection is driven by the around 500,000 MT yield increase of palay For the fist semester of the rear compared to ¢ similar period 2022. Sebastian added that the effects of EI Nifio are not yet present so the DA is preparing for its possi- bile effects chat wil likely amplify temperature for the dry season next year However, Sebastian noted the phenomenoa’s positive and nega tive effects which the government could prepare for. "Our irrigated areas are where ‘we maximize production for the dry season because usually, El Nifio will result in bettet SbJar radiation. When solar radiation is ‘200d, the growth of rice is good, 50 the yield is higher,” Sebastian hats why the ares where thereis expected to bea shortage of water, that willbe hit. IF you plant sie during that time when Jou already know there will bea feck of water, you wil ally be hit So, what we are doing there in the areas that we know wil be hi by lek of wate, we are tajusting the planting calendar to easier forthe arial of February, arch harvest time:” Sebastian aided Mercedita Sombill, DA ua derscersaey for policy planning nd regulations aid the agency acknowledges thar among the chal- lenges faced by the Philippines in terms of production isthe lack of arable lands ‘Sombilla said the Philippines thas fewer arable land compared to Vietnam and Thailand, adding that these countries also have access 10 rivers for irrigation. “That's why we're trying 10 find means by which we could re- ally increase production. (Among them) isto shiftanother dry season crop to a dey season. So, we will Ihave two dry seasons which are ‘going to be more... we can better control weather that way and with properirgation, we would be able to increase our production, have higher yields dusing those times,” Sombilla said, Page of‘porters on the sidelines of the. International Rice Congress last week. ‘Mr. Sebastian added that dur- ing the first half, the harvest was ahead of the year-earlier pace by about 300,000 MT, ast year, palay output fll to 1976 million MT from 19.96 mil- tion MT a year earlier, according to the Philippine Statistics Au- thority PSA), BusinessWorld Mr. Sebastian said that El Nifics eto affect the current “There is no El Nino yet, the effect we are seeingis alot ofrain, ‘We will prepare for it in the dry season headded. t “The government weather ser ‘vice, known as PAGASA (Philip- youtput at 20 million MT pine Atmospheric, Geophysical ‘and Astronomical Services Ad- ‘Vietnam, the Philippines! top source for rie, announced plans ‘inistration), has said that El toredueerice exports to four mil- ‘Nido is likely o peak in late 2023 ‘andearly 2024. Separately, International Po- {ato Center Asia Regional Direc ‘tor Samarendu Mohanty said he does not consider rice self-suf- ficiency to be easy to achieve for the Palins aid an increas: ingpopulation. dont think youl be sl sufficient, with the population growth you have. You still have to ‘you (resort to) imports, then you lion tons ayear by 2033. In a report the PSA said that Philippine’s rice self-sufficiency ratio declined to 77% in 2022 from 15%ayear earlier. Asked to comment, Mr. Sebas~ ‘the supply of the staple grain at [acdressitthroughimports.Andif between 24.99 million MT and 26486 million MT, in the process havethisuncertainty @ntheform keeping the annual growth ofrice restric: India’s Director of Foreign prices at less than 1%. "We have to exert alot of effort, ‘we need to focus on initially iri- ‘Trade announced on last week gating about 1.5 million hectares, the easing ofits export ban on on basin white, allocating 25000 MT tothe Philippines. ‘maximize the productivity in that area... (and) we could get higher yields, he said. — Adrian H. Halil Page ofBusinessMirror Alok ado oe Date: OT 23, 20% page: _ I/F “e LISA URE EC ert oF HORS Page__of__santa. vee aN ee eclecd Date: © 23 2003, Page: WA GPT. OF AGRICULTURE LIBRARY HOUSE TO CONTINUE PRICE WATCH == ‘THE House Committee on ‘Agricultureand Food willcon- tinue checking the prices of se onionsandoheragricl- Iproducts, ‘Commitechairman Quezon ative Mark Enverga, said upon the instruction of MartinG. Romualdez and in line with the desire of, Presidenterdinand Marcos}t, fo nakclood praducts ford Massbodniiton Enverga said the panel ‘would conductpublichearings andinguiresandholdconslta- tions with stakeholders, ine essary, to avert any unreason- able inerease in prices of basic staples. "Wewillnotbeintimidated pressure from any source, fare hereto serve a plesinterests under the Administration” Env Te paltae ae his colleagues should not be distracted by the controversy ‘suroundingtherequestanduse ‘fconfidentialandtnteligence funds(CIFs) that’s water winder the bridgenow because the House hasalready decided realign those funds to agencies core cemedwithihecountry ssear Sly and terior integ ‘Tbe ated should epee the Floase decison” Enverga seed any thisyor theEnverga committee conducted a four ‘monthingulry into thesudden Increase in the price of onions, ‘which skyrocketed to as much ‘as P00 a kilo. ‘Thehearingsresultedinthe drastic drop of onion prices from P700 to P60 per Kilo. Paniyasaresultofthein 1 the National Bureau of In- Non has. filed charges aan Page ofThe Manila Times” Date: OM 2% 707 Page: ih LIBRARY WK DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE EDUCATION, INSPIRATION searcaand nitabs holding of the seminar aimsto educate and inspire farmers to make informed decisions in ther financial endeavors, marketing strategies and daily dietary habits. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Searca, Unilab provide health, financial literacy to farmers LOS BANOS, Laguna: To provide health its Partnerships Unit, and Unilab Products.” and financial literacy seminars to conducted a half-day Seminar on _Lastly, Mara de los Santos, a nutri- farmers in this town, the Southeast Health and Financial Literacy for tionist-dietitian at RelianceUnited, Asian Regional Center for Graduate Smallholder Farmers. at the Searca a subsidiary of Unilab, discussed ‘Study and Research in Agriculture Drilon Hall here. the significance of a balanced diet (Searca) collaborated with the Unit- During the seminar, Jeff Evangelis- and nutrition in maintaining over- ed Laboratories Inc. (Unilab), ata, Unilab’s presiding, officer of the all well-being in her presentation, leading pharmaceutical company in 41st Employees Council, briefed 17 “Importance of Diet and Nutrition the Philippines farmers from Timuga in this town in our Daily Lives.” Dr. Glenn Gregorio, Searca di- about the company's corporate ad- _Gregorio said Searca and Unilab rector, said the farmers need to be _vocacy program, “Alagang Unilab,” distributed vitamins and vegetable ‘educated and inspired to make in- in his opening messagye. seeds to the farmers during the event formed decisi@fts in their fin al “Whe'seminar'featured three talks which encapsulated the institutions’ ‘endeavors, marketing strateziesiand on topicsidentifed bythe farmers. mutual commitment to community aily dietary habits: | FirstsJenny tym de jesus a Sunlife support, sustainability and good “Assogiate Prof. Joselito Florendo, financial advisor, delivered a pre- health and well-being. Searca deputy director for admin- sentation on “Achieving Financial _Searca also facilitated the handing istration, said farmers need to be Freedom,” providing farmers with over of Unilab’s donation of three units ‘equipped with knowledge and re- gies and tips for rnanaging their of computers to the Dagatan Family sources to enhance their productivity” finances effectively. Farm Schoo! (DFFS) in Lipa, Batangas. and livelihood. ~*~ Secondly, Zara Mae Eistareja, Searca DFFS is a valued partner school “It is time we gave importance to senior associate for pu blicrelations, of the center and is a recognized the physical and financial health of shared practical insighits on leverag- learning site for agriculture by the ‘ourfarmers” Florendo also said. ing Facebook to prornote and sell Department of Agriculture-Agticul- He noted that very recently, on agricultural products ‘in her presen- ture Training Institute. Oct, 16, 2023, Searea, through tation, “Facebook for Marketing Agri LEANDER C. DOMINGO Page___ofAbearink aids Date: OF 23 wr Pa LIBRARY DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE Page:Malaya Business Insight Date: _O% 23, WY) page: _ AL. & LIBRARY Ti’ DFPT. OF AGRICULTURE % Lar. om Gorn futures retreat Se CHICAGO: Chicago Board of a bushel. The market cirlier “Trade com fuses closed lower reached $5.09-1/2, its highest Peet MET Highest pice sic Ang 2 Since August on Friday, while “Corn was up overnight, and Soybean fatuces retreated from a tried to stay that way early ia the ‘one-month high ay Sesion, but fell off ard late “Traders took profits after the onharvesthedging and chart sell. " matkets rose easlier on concerns ing,” Charlie Sernatinger, executive about a drought in Brazil discupt- vice president of Marex Capital ing grain shipments on svers and Markets, suid in a nove. slowing soy plantings, analysts. Soybean futures touched ik Teel ag oboe IR /2 Mei fit for additional US export demand price since Sept. 21, before cl also supported furs eae in 1/4cens foyer at $13021/4 the session, Soymeal reached its highest pice US farmers with crop tO'¥ll, since June. ‘welcomed a temporary return of “Farmer sales of soybeans have com prices above $5 bushel as accelerated in recent days, with ‘many continue to harvest their, strengtin the fares marker and Feld, bringing fresh supplies to] basis gains combining to push the market. © © eash prices above $13 a bushel in But mostactive com furufes many areas, an Towa dealer sai. @hded below that key prieelevel, However, some growers continue with the December contract «bold out for even higher prices. | falling 91/2 cents 16 $4.95-1/2 Reuters PagePARBOILED sic export peices invop hub Iida declpd forthe third sagt week on sigh deinand primarily due t0 the feign of export duis wnt Mash 2004, Prices for Inds § percent broken patie ase fll 0 $510,580 per mesic tn fom $515 $525 st werk “Last wee, buyers were wai- ing forthe governments deciion onthe du This wee some of them started buying afer the ernment provifed eat SSfowever, demand is sil fr iower than normal said Akash Jhunjhunwala, ace miler bated in Lucknow, Utar Pradesh Todi annoenced an extension of the 20 percent export du, inkl secto expire on Oct 15, to March 2024 Last week, India sid ic will sini the Boor pace forbs tee re ul aber note a it eontinos to reste overseas shipment ecthe country sid tw per mit the export of non basta trite ie to ever counts, Inc Nepal Caezoon, la Lys the Pippen, Seycheles, Teory Const ad the Republic of Gunes ‘Thana 5 percent broken tice pices also eased t0 $575. Malaya Business Insight Date: O@ 9%, 20% _ age: __ “6 LIBRARY DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE ASIA RICE India prices retreat; Vietnam’s increase {$580 per mecric ton from $580- £3600 last week. “Demand was coming ia from Asian and African countries.” said 1 Bangkok-based trader, adding supply from the most recent har- ‘vest was expected by month-end, Vietnam’s 5 percent broken tice prices rose to $625-$630 per met- Farm labore’ planting rice saplings in eld onthe ouskits of Ahmedabad, India. (Reuters Photo) sic con versus $615-$625 last week, “Prices edged up slightly be- cause supplies are Bat as the sum- rmer-autumn harvest has ended,” ‘Ho Chi Minh City-based trader sid, adding high global demand and Middle East tensions as con tributing factors, Preliminary data showed 271,600 rons of rice 10 be loaded at Ho Chi Minh City port during (Oct 1-22, mostof itheaded to the Philippines, Indonesia and Cuba. In Bangladesh officials said the ‘government had hiked the price it ‘vould pay farmers for the upcom: ing harvest, aiming to purchase 700,000 tons. -Reaters PageBusinessWorld Date: _ or _ 23, sus ye BRARY It DEPT. OF AGRICULTUREBusinessWorld Date: Cor 2,207 Page: _ 4/52BusinessWorld Date: Our 23207 Page: Isa Ye LIBRARY i DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE Page__BusinessWorld Date: _OOr i> pager IC x LIBRARY DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE Page ofBusinessWorld Date: S22 20% Page: _sils ats IBRARY Sa DEPT. OF AGRICULTUREBUCINESS —MIREGR LIBRARY Om 25, Ira / PRE: Ae DEPT. OF AGRICULTUREBusinessMirror Abarat pate: OF 23, 11 Page: o/s ARY Ti DEPT, OF AGRICULTURE ‘The USis losing the race with Brazil for soybean dominance — oo Britaaso Vit0so main Sepmens vsaly sade mis sion Could terval teal Bealanpeshaebensited om | mice Octoberte ance ith the RarestandGtimatesundescornghowhenaon's weaker crrencyandfalingpremiims 1) Jae ‘ontnesormonths. Ths yer, that keying alba agrcatalut Wheat, inthe prodcingregons, keeping offers “JN SEVENFOLD jump in Brazilian ©” Window Ras narrowed toweeks, | ‘ammands0y rpluseswere one apowertul more competitive against the US until | Ae shipments to China for US soybean sales to other countries tol of American statecaft. Now, as US December, said Martins. That will start ‘next month highlights how the US: totaled $34 billion last year, making it ‘exports wane, rival suppliers like Brazil ‘to change once Brazilian stocks are islesing influence overone ofthe world’s the top agricultural export commodity ‘re filing the void © depleted:and rains lift the Mississip ‘most important agricultural markets. Diowahtandtbgvaetsudner |The US wang ia i 1 water levels, cutting freight costs a hina the biggest aybeen importer everhave shriveled the Mssisipi ivr, 4 months-long event and it will be turning US beans cheaper. Frelght Globally, Booked at least 95 cargoes of which funnels barges of soybeans from ompeting with Brazilian offers all the costs in the US are trending lower after ‘the cop from Brazil fornow until the end the Midwest te Gulf Coast ports, Freight vay utllearly 20247saidVictonMartin, reaching peakin September. | othnebe Freeh ie ceo meeps i nea imaigeacege Te a a as ht bln ‘52 vessels already scheduled, comparec ‘competitive at a time when the harvest nius Ltd, ‘soybean stocks are being depleted before “ith seven forthe same week ast yer, would typically make them cheaper ‘Tha suggests that Brazilian exports. ts harvest begins tn’February. Lecal “carding to sipping agency Alpharar ~ relative a supplies fom other counties. ile behigherthanihe 87S milion processors av bidding fr beans above “Agenda Martina Bra mearwilestihasstcksvalable etic tons that the US Deparment of export prices, which wil dive Brailan MipcanrstportsalesofUSseybeans fromitsrecrd crop eae hisyarwith ctr forecast n October, while US pices for delivery to China highet i Vertis sersan ove down 40 percent shipments iis, forts sol be due, Mats sai flation to the US Gal, That shoul fom a year earlier. 1S a striking drop, “Thenarrowinigbffhiekey window forUS Meanwhile, US exports salesto China are ultimately mean fewer Brazilian supplies ‘considering the ideal timeframe for soybean exports asgn that shipments he lowest level ince 2019. availabe for export, Martins sid Page of