CITY OF MALOLOS — The National Food Authority (NFA) is bolstering its partnerships with local farmers in Central Luzon.

Rhona Talens, NFA’s acting provincial manager for Bulacan, informed ARKIPELAGO NEWS BULACAN via text message that NFA Administrator Larry Lacson recently attended the quarterly meeting of the Regional Farmers’ Action Council (RFAC) in Central Luzon to enhance the collaboration between the grains agency and local farmers.

The meeting served as a platform to discuss the pressing issues faced by farmers in the region and to strengthen the agency’s partnerships with them.

Eugene Ramirez, RFAC Region 3 president, raised the concern that farmers in the region want the government support price for palay to be permanently set at P30 per kilo for clean and dry grains, rather than being dictated by current market prices set by local traders.

Ramirez also mentioned that farmers want the NFA to cover the unloading and loading expenses of their produce when delivered to NFA warehouses.

In response, Talens explained that among the issues discussed during the meeting were the need for easier and faster transactions in the field. As a result, the grains agency is working on standard operating procedures for purchasing palay without requiring the transfer of grains into NFA sacks and creating a fast lane for palay deliveries of 50 bags or fewer.

Additionally, Talens mentioned that the agency is considering the provision of two elf trucks per branch for mobile procurement, especially in villages with narrow roads. Improvements in major warehouses are also being explored to ensure complete facilities for drying, milling, and storing grains.

These recommendations are expected to alleviate some of the burdens faced by farmers who wish to sell their produce to the NFA.

📷 NFA Central Luzon