Agri dep’t recommends MAV increase for corn

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said it will push to increase the minimum access volume (MAV) for corn to 500,000 metric tons (MT) from 216,940 MT to reduce the risk of shortages and protect farmers that use corn as animal feed from rising costs.

The proposal would also impose a preferential 5% tariff on corn imports that come in within the MAV, while shipments exceeding the quota continue to pay a 15% duty.

The DA said industry groups have warned about possible difficulties obtaining corn due to the looming El Niño.

The DA also cited the rise in production costs in farming due to the increase in freight and fertilizer prices due to the continuing instability in energy markets and shipping routes around the Strait of Hormuz.

The DA also clarified that the proposal was a calibrated contingency measure during the crisis rather than a permanent policy shift, with imports being activated only when supply conditions warrant, in a manner that does not negatively affect domestic corn farmers.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. said that the proposal was made in consultation with the corn, livestock, and poultry industries and sent to the MAV Management Committee before it is endorsed to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.

“We have endorsed the proposed increase in the corn MAV to anticipate possible supply tightness arising from weather-related risks and escalating production costs, particularly fertilizer and logistics expenses that remain vulnerable to disruptions from the lingering conflict in the Middle East,” Mr. Laurel said in a statement issued by the DA.

The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that corn production was estimated at 8.3 million MT in 2025. — Marron Joshua F. Mendoza