NTA eyes new floor prices for Virginia, Burley, and Native tobacco

The National Tobacco Administration (NTA) is finalizing a two-day conference to set new floor prices for Virginia, Burley, and Native tobacco.

The conference, held in Quezon City, involves farmers, traders, and cigarette manufacturers to determine buying rates for the next two cropping seasons.

NTA Administrator Belinda S. Sanchez stated the goal is to safeguard farmers' welfare and ensure reasonable price increases through consultations.

Farmer groups, represented by NAFTAC president Bernard Vicente, have requested price hikes ranging from P16.96 to P87.15 per kilo to cover increased production expenses.

Vicente also appealed for separate floor prices for improved subtypes of Virginia and Burley tobacco due to their higher quality and production costs.