DA intercepts 778 bags of unregistered fertilizer

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture has intercepted 778 bags of unregistered fertilizer, as the DA tightens its campaign against counterfeit, unregistered, adulterated and illegally manufactured farm inputs.

“Fertilizer is an investment for our farmers. When fake or substandard products are sold to them, it is not just their money that is lost. Their harvest and livelihood are at stake,” DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said.

According to the DA, the intercepted farm inputs include 260 bags from an operation in Talavera, Nueva Ecija and 518 from a facility in Sta. Monica, Rizal.

Laurel ordered the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) to widen its market watch to include online marketplaces and physical stores in its pursuit of people involved in producing or distributing illegal agricultural inputs.

“We will protect our farmers and legitimate businesses. We are directing the FPA to intensify market surveillance and enforcement against counterfeit, unregistered, adulterated and illegally manufactured agricultural inputs,” Laurel said.