Coco farmers skeptical of added PCA powers

THE Confederation of Coconut Farmers’ Organizations of the Philippines (CCFOP) said it doubts that the Philippine Coconut Authority’s (PCA) push for additional powers to set copra prices will benefit farmers, according to a report from BusinessWorld.

CCFOP Chairman and CEO Charles R. Avila said the PCA’s plans do not address the income disparities between farmers and buyers. He noted that the proposed additional powers have not been shown to directly improve the livelihoods of coconut farmers, who continue to struggle with low farm-gate prices and limited market access.

The PCA has argued that greater authority over copra pricing would help stabilize the market and ensure fair returns for producers. However, farmer groups remain unconvinced, calling for more concrete measures to address structural issues in the coconut industry rather than expanded regulatory powers.