The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) has partnered with industry stakeholders in northern Negros to establish a high-yielding variety nursery and soils laboratory in Victorias City, Negros Occidental.

The facility, situated within the Victorias Milling Company (VMC) compound, is poised to become a regional hub for sugarcane innovation, facilitating the development of resilient, high-yield varieties and advancing scientific approaches to soil health and farm productivity.

In a statement on Thursday, SRA Administrator and Chief Executive Officer Pablo Luis Azcona underscored the importance of bringing research and laboratory services closer to farmers in northern Negros, an area vital to national sugar production.

“We commend the efforts of VMC and the Victorias Mill District Development Council (VMDDC) for this milestone,” he said.

The partnership was established with the SRA, VMC, VMDDC, and Florencia Workers Association (FLOWA) at a joint agreement signing at Victorias Golf and Country Club on Oct. 7.

SRA board member David Andrew Sanson, representing Azcona, signed the agreement alongside VMC president Linley Retirado, VMDDC chairperson and VMC chief administrative officer Eva Rodriguez, and FLOWA president Ramon Lavides.

Sanson said the facility is seen as a “mini La Granja”, referring to the flagship La Granja Agricultural Research and Extension Center in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental.

“The move would benefit both farmers and the mill by enhancing productivity and rebuilding the Victorias MDDC’s credibility. This is about mutual growth. When farmers succeed, so does the mill,” he added.

Retirado highlighted VMC’s role as the country’s largest refined sugar producer, supporting planters with fertilizers, lime, technical help, and farm management until 1997.

“I hope this partnership would revive VMC’s past agricultural and research services and extend them to planters not only in Victorias City but also in nearby districts,” he said.

Starting with the crop year 2025-2026, Rodriguez said the facility will promote the propagation of higher-yielding cane varieties and provide scientific soil analysis to shift toward more evidence-based, efficient farming practices.

Edward Sarrosa, president of Rural Sugar Planters Association Inc., covering sugarcane farms from Sagay City in Negros Occidental to Vallehermoso in Negros Oriental, called the collaboration a “long-awaited initiative.”

“Without farmers, there is no industry. We thank the SRA for bringing its services from La Granja to northern Negros,” he said.

Negros Island produces more than 60 percent of the country’s sugar output. (PNA)