MALACAÑANG is still evaluating a proposal to issue an executive order raising the minimum access volume (MAV) for corn to 500,000 metric tons (MT) to minimize the impact on domestic corn farmers during the harvest.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is working with the Palace on the proposed order, which has yet to be signed, Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro told reporters on Tuesday.
The main factor delaying the signing is the possible impact of expanded imports on the feed industry and corn farmers, Ms. Castro said.
The proposed increase would more than double the corn import quota of 216,940 MT, allowing additional shipments to enter the country at the preferential tariff rate of 5%, compared with the 15% tariff on imports beyond the MAV quota, the DA has said.
“We are weighing when it should be signed because, if it is signed during the harvest, some of our farmers will be affected,” Ms. Castro said.
The DA supports a higher quota to help livestock and poultry producers manage feed costs and address potential supply constraints arising from weather-related risks and rising agricultural production costs.
Corn is a key ingredient in animal feed, making its availability and cost important to the livestock and poultry industries. The DA said in June that the proposal was developed in consultation with the corn, livestock and poultry industries.
The DA also cited the threat of a strong El Niño and possible disruptions to corn production for raising the import allocation.
The Palace said the DA submitted its request to increase the corn MAV on Sept. 29. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking