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February 17, 2024 | Province of Aurora – To protect our farmers and fishers as end-users of fertilizers, FPA Deputy Executive Director Myer Mula, conducted consultation with farmers affected by the alleged off-specs of local blended fertilizer, KASAKA 8-8-8, in the Municipality of Dilasag.

Off-specification fertilizers are those that have not met the required amount of nutrients as registered in FPA.

During the meeting last 14 February 2024, seven affected farmers shared that 218 bags KASAKA 8-8-8, each weighing 50kgs, were applied to a total of 32.4 hectares of corn fields.

They observed that the fertilizer has no significant effect to their corn, indicating an abnormal average growth of only 3ft from sowing on November 2023 to its current maturity on February 15. It also produces only 2-3 inches ear, which is considered as unproductive. The farmers estimate Php 400,000 loss incurred.

During the growing period, the farmers have persisted on coordinating with the Floodgates Agri Venture Corporation representatives, for them to observe their crops from the vegetative to maturity stage. Without receiving any response from the company, they raised the issue to DA and FPA.

Dr. Mula advised the farmers to be vigilant of new fertilizer products being sold in the market. “Farmers should always coordinate with FPA through our Provincial Agriculturists, if new fertilizer products are being sold, to confirm their authenticity,” he said.

Other issues discussed included identification of underweight fertilizers, advantages of purchasing branded fertilizers, and strictly following the fertilizer recommended rate in kilograms, not in bags. ###

  Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Online ISSN: 2815-1674
  Published by the FPA Information and Communications Team

PROVINCE OF ZAMBALES | February 12, 2024 – In an effort to address the proliferation of underweight fertilizer bags in the market, the FPA conducted an ocular inspection of three fertilizer warehouses in the Province of Zambales from January 31 to February 01, 2024.

The FPA Monitoring Team was spearheaded by Deputy Executive Director for Fertilizer, Dr. Myer G. Mula, Senior Agriculturist Mr. Edward Allen Calapatia, and Provincial Officer (PO) Mr. Quirino T. Baterna.

The team inspected warehouses of Golden Harvest Agricultural Supply, and J. Delos Santos Poultry & Agricultural Supply in Sta. Cruz and Agriscor, Inc. in Castillejos.

Before the actual weighing of bags, Dr. Mula briefed the establishments’ representatives and explained reports of underweight fertilizers being sold in the market that incur income loss among farmers.

265 bags of fertilizers composed of 21-0-0, 14-14-14, and 46-0-0 were weighed, from which a total of 21 bags were below the standard weight of 50 kgs per bag. The lowest weight recorded was 48.74 kg.

As a corrective action, the underweight bags will be subjected to re-bagging to be supervised by FPA field personnel. Dr. Mula recommended conducting random weighing upon delivery of their order and rejecting bags that were found to be underweight. He also suggested using an electronic weighing scale for more precise weight measurements.

Dr. Mula also reminded the owners of the establishments to be vigilant about the proliferation of off-specification, unregistered, and underweight fertilizer products in the market. Non-compliance can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not just the distributor´s and dealer´s income but also the farmers and fishers value for money in purchasing the fertilizers. Likewise, underweight fertilizers can negatively impact the nutrient requirements of plants, as fertilizer recommendations are made on a per-bag basis. In this manner, productivity will be most affected.

Issues and concerns gathered from the stakeholders during the inspection were noted by the monitoring team to be used as vital inputs in revising the Fertilizer Regulatory Policies and Implementing Guidelines (Bluebook).

FPA also encourages the public, especially the farmers, to weigh the bag of fertilizers before buying, check its physical appearance for any defects (e.g., damaged sack or sewn), and ask for a replacement if needed. ###

  Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Online ISSN: 2815-1674
  Published by the FPA Information and Communications Team

ALBAY AND CAMARINES SUR | February 12, 2024 – To ensure the compliance and quality of fertilizers at distribution centers, Deputy Executive Director for Fertilizer Dr. Myer G. Mula led an intensive inspection of fertilizer area distributors in Albay and Camarines Sur on February 5 – 7, 2024.

The activity aims to verify the weight and quality of fertilizers in the provinces as the monitoring team visited a fertilizer area distributor in Albay and four area distributors in Camarines Sur.

A total of 721 bags of fertilizers were weighed using a digital weighing scale. Out of 721 bags, 247 bags were found to be underweight.

The owners were advised to perform random weight checks before accepting fertilizers from importers and manufacturers following the standard 50 kg net weight for fertilizer bags.

“Ensuring compliance and quality in fertilizer distribution is FPA’s commitment to upholding integrity and fairness within the agricultural sector. Fertilizer handlers must comply with the standard weights and quality of fertilizers,” Dr. Mula said.

He added that there are three main reasons on the importance of ensuring that each bag of fertilizer weighs 50 kg net. First, it ensures that farmers and fishers get the correct amount of fertilizer they are paying for. Second, distributor´s and dealer´s who purchase fertilizers from suppliers or importers will incur income losses due to underweight fertilizers. Third, underweight fertilizers can negatively impact the nutrient requirements of plants, as fertilizer recommendations are made on a per-bag basis, which affect productivity.

“We (FPA) are doing intensive inspections given our mission to uphold fairness and quality in fertilizer distribution, ultimately benefiting the agricultural community,” he emphasized.

Regional Officer Gabriel B. Atole, Provincial Officers Mr. Rodny P. Conda, Engr. Ardon Ryan E. Nee-Estuye, Engr. Cris L. Legazpi, Mr. Winsor L. Nueva, and Ms. Rosie T. Malazar composed the FPA monitoring team. ###

  Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Online ISSN: 2815-1674
  Published by the FPA Information and Communications Team