Tobacco prices hit record high

CANDON CITY, Philippines — For the second straight year, prices of tobacco leaves have reached unprecedented heights.

Andy Reyes, president of the Philippine Association of Tobacco-based Cooperatives (PATCO), said top grade virginia “AA” tobacco leaves are now selling at P68-P80 a kilo compared to P61-68 last year. Reyes said other Virginia tobacco grades have posted similar price increases..

For burley, Reyes said the top grade – grade A – is being bought at P67 a kilo, which is way above the floor price set by the National Tobacco Administration.

Reyes thanked Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap, NTA Administrator Carlitos Encarnacion and tobacco buying companies for their support to the leaf growers that included production assistance.

He said farmers subscribed to the farming technology of the DA-NTA and the tobacco companies and acknowledged the “diligence” of NTA tobacco production and regulation officers who assisted them.

At the same time, Reyes called on the Department of Agriculture and tobacco firms to help affected farmers rehabilitate their curing barns that have been damaged.

Affected are former tobacco farmers who had earlier shifted to other crops but have now returned to tobacco growing due to last year’s high leaf prices.

He said that they had abandoned their curing barns and were exposed to the elements. – Teddy Molina