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Tag: NTA

  • Philippines NTA Opens Tobacco Growing to Landless Farmers

    Philippines NTA Opens Tobacco Growing to Landless Farmers

    The Philippines’ National Tobacco Administration (NTA) said landless farmers in Cagayan can enter tobacco production by renting suitable farmland, with partner buying companies potentially providing ₱25,000–₱30,000 ($400 to $480) per hectare in rental assistance along with production inputs and services.

    Qualified growers can also participate in the NTA’s Tobacco Contract Growing Scheme, under which farmers repay 60% of production assistance while the remaining 40% is provided as a subsidy. The NTA urged prospective growers to undergo soil testing and site assessments before planting, particularly to ensure adequate water supply and drainage.

  • PMFTC Remains Top Buyer of Philippine Tobacco

    PMFTC Remains Top Buyer of Philippine Tobacco

    Philippines’ National Tobacco Administration (NTA) recognized Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation as the largest buyer of Philippine-grown tobacco for the third consecutive year, highlighting the company’s continued support for the country’s tobacco farming sector. In 2025, PMFTC purchased 8.3 million kg of locally grown tobacco — 69% of the 12.1 million kilograms delivered to domestic manufacturers. NTA Administrator Belinda Sanchez said PMFTC’s sustained buying provides tobacco farmers with a stable and reliable market, particularly as the industry prepares for a challenging growing season.

    PMFTC said it remains committed to investing in long-term partnerships with farmers, trading partners, and government agencies to strengthen the Philippine tobacco value chain and help keep locally grown tobacco competitive in domestic and international markets.

  • Philippines’ NTA Addressing Tobacco Market Pressures

    Philippines’ NTA Addressing Tobacco Market Pressures

    The National Tobacco Administration (NTA) convened stakeholders in Ilocos Norte to address mounting challenges in the tobacco sector, including falling farmgate prices, oversupply, and ongoing smuggling. The meeting brought together local governments, traders, and farmer groups to assess market conditions and explore coordinated responses as global and domestic supply pressures weigh on pricing and demand.

    Officials highlighted a sharp drop in leaf prices—from over ₱100 ($1.60) per kilo to around ₱75 ($1.20)—along with rising production costs and delayed support funding. Farmers also pointed to difficulties in selling uncontracted crops amid excess supply both locally and globally. In response, the NTA is pushing for expanded contract-growing arrangements and crop diversification strategies, while stakeholders are committed to improving coordination and market access to stabilize the sector.

  • Mindanao Tobacco Production Nearly Doubles

    Mindanao Tobacco Production Nearly Doubles

    Tobacco production in Mindanao surged 44% in 2024 as more farmers in the southern Philippines turned to the crop for its growing profitability, according to data from the National Tobacco Administration (NTA). Ma. Mercedes Ayco of NTA Mindanao said farmers are drawn to native “batek” tobacco for its fast growth and strong domestic demand. To support the industry, the NTA launched the five-year Sustainable Tobacco Enhancement Program (STEP) last year. The program offers irrigation, equipment, training, and marketing support to strengthen the tobacco sector across the island.

    Production rose from 5.4 million kilograms in 2023 to 9.7 million kg in 2024. Misamis Oriental led the pack, contributing 7.7 million kg—nearly 80% of the region’s total. Maguindanao del Sur posted a 62% increase in output. The number of tobacco farmers in Mindanao jumped from 4,630 in 2023 to over 8,100 in 2024, with cultivation areas expanding from nearly 3,000 to over 4,400 hectares. Top-quality leaves fetched up to P700 ($12.60) per kilo in Misamis Oriental.

    Tobacco remains the only crop in the Philippines with guaranteed floor prices, supporting livelihoods for over 2 million Filipinos, including 430,000 farmers and workers, the NTA said.

  • Philippines Tobacco Trading Still Strong Despite Start of Rainy Season

    Philippines Tobacco Trading Still Strong Despite Start of Rainy Season

    The Philippines’ National Tobacco Administration (NTA) announced that tobacco trading operations across the nation are continuing uninterrupted despite the start of the rainy season in June. Dr. Giovanni Palabay, NTA–La Union Manager, confirmed that flue-cured Virginia tobacco trading centers in Ilocos will remain open until June 30, with centers including Universal Leaf Philippines, Inc. (ULPI), Trans Manila, Inc., and Continental Leaf Tobacco Philippines, Inc. operational.

    “If there is more tobacco available beyond June 30, NTA can coordinate for continued accommodation by the trading centers,” said Palabay. Top prices for high-quality Virginia tobacco have reached P130 ($2.34) per kilo.

    There are 59,242 registered tobacco farmers cultivating over 32,500 hectares nationwide. NTA Administrator and CEO Belinda Sanchez said farmers are expected to earn more this season, as trading prices are currently above the government-set floor prices.

    Burley and native tobacco trading will continue in Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, and the Cordillera Administrative Region through August 31, with peak prices of P118 ($2.12) for Burley and P175 ($3.15) for native Batek tobacco per kilo.