Philippines eyes doubling corn imports as El Niño threat looms

The Department of Agriculture is proposing to more than double corn imports under the Minimum Access Volume (MAV) quota scheme to ensure adequate feed supplies for the country's hog and poultry farms. Officials are concerned that an approaching El Niño weather event could substantially reduce local corn production, raising the risk of supply shortages and price increases for the critical livestock feed.

Corn serves as a primary ingredient in animal feed formulations across the Philippines' significant pork and poultry sectors. Domestic production volatility, particularly during adverse weather conditions, has historically created supply gaps that threaten feed availability and livestock industry stability.

The proposed increase in the MAV quota would allow importers greater access to foreign corn supplies, providing a buffer against domestic production shortfalls. This measure is intended to maintain steady feed stocks and help stabilize prices for livestock producers during the period of weather uncertainty.

The DA's move reflects broader concerns about El Niño's potential impact on Philippine agriculture, with the weather phenomenon historically causing drought conditions that hamper crop yields across multiple commodities. By securing additional import allocations now, the department aims to preempt potential disruptions to meat and poultry production chains.