DA beefs up crackdown vs. fake fertilizers

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is stepping up its campaign against counterfeit and illegally manufactured farm inputs following recent operations in Nueva Ecija.

According to the DA, the Talavera Municipal Police Station conducted an entrapment operation on July 15 following a complaint from a manufacturer over the alleged sale of counterfeit fertilizer products.

The operation led authorities to a suspected unregistered warehouse and manufacturing facility in Barangay Sta. Monica, Rizal, Nueva Ecija, where several fertilizer products were seized.

In two separate operations, authorities seized at least 778 bags of fertilizer worth a total of P748,150.

“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 in a statement.

“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,” he added.

The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), meanwhile, issued Stop Sale, Stop Use, Stop Move, and Hold orders covering the seized fertilizers while the investigation is ongoing.

The FPA is also expected to strengthen intelligence-led inspections, closely monitor digital sales channels, and work with the Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation, and local governments to identify and shut down illicit operations.— MCG, GMA News