By Kenneth Marcos 
A quiet buzz is growing among farmers, salt producers, and agriculture workers as the government prepares to draft a new standard for agricultural-grade salt fertilizer. Many hope the move will lead to clearer rules, better product quality, and safer use of salt-based fertilizers in local farms.
The Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (DA-BAFS) announced that it will hold its initial stakeholder consultation for the development of the Philippine National Standard (PNS) on Agricultural Grade Salt Fertilizer – Product Standard – Specifications. The online consultation is scheduled for November 26, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. via Google Meet.
The meeting will gather farmers, fertilizer manufacturers, researchers, and industry groups to discuss the proposed specifications and ensure that the new standard supports both productivity and safety. Salt fertilizer is commonly used to improve soil nutrients, especially in coconut farms and coastal agricultural areas. However, without proper guidelines, product quality may vary, affecting crop performance and soil health.
During the consultation, participants will review the draft PNS, which outlines the technical requirements, allowable components, and quality parameters for agricultural-grade salt fertilizer. DA-BAFS said the process aims to create a clear benchmark that manufacturers and users can rely on, helping farmers avoid low-quality or improperly processed products.
The agency encouraged the public to register and take part in the discussion to ensure that the final standard reflects real conditions on the ground. Stakeholder inputs are expected to help refine guidelines, identify risks, and promote responsible fertilizer use.
With agriculture facing rising production costs and unpredictable weather, experts say standardized inputs are essential to maintaining healthy soil and stable harvests. By engaging different sectors early in the process, the government hopes to create a science-based and widely accepted standard that can benefit both small-scale and commercial farmers.
Interested participants may join by signing up through the registration link released by BAFS. The draft PNS is also available online for review ahead of the consultation. For additional concerns, the bureau advised the public to reach out through its official email.
As work begins on this national standard, many see it as an important step toward improving fertilizer quality and strengthening support for the country’s agricultural sector.
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