The government of Philippines induces farmers to start direct fertilizer imports

The Philippine Department of Agriculture has called on farmer cooperatives to directly purchase mineral fertilizers from foreign producers avoiding intermediaries, thereby keeping costs down.

“Our idea is to allow farmer cooperatives to import fertilizers and sell their surplus in the market,” said Philippine Agriculture Minister William Dar. “This is a win-win proposition for farmers because they can negotiate lower prices for mineral fertilizers and participate in a trade that can give them additional income.”

In 1986, the Philippine authorities liberalized the import of mineral fertilizers into the country and exempted it from paying value-added tax. However, only a few farmer cooperatives took advantage of this privilege.

From October, Filipino farmers can purchase carbamide from Brunei.