The Department of Agriculture announced that consumers are showing a preference for imported rice in the 5% broken-grain segment over domestic varieties, citing a perceived quality difference.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. revealed that he is considering a freeze on imports of 5% brokens to provide relief to rice farmers, in an effort to boost domestic production.
The Secretary directed the Philippine Rice Research Institute to provide farmers with better rice varieties such as 222, 218, and RC160, which are currently available in limited volumes, in order to improve the quality of domestic rice.
According to the Secretary, the goal is to achieve 100% quality of domestic rice by 2028, thereby enabling the country to compete in the market.
The halt in imports could take place as early as September, pending the outcome of the Tariff Commission's safeguard measures investigation.
The Department of Agriculture has consulted farmers, millers, importers, and traders about slowing down rice imports, with the aim of gaining more authority to act on its own once the Rice Industry and Consumer Empowerment (RICE) Act is passed.
The Tariff Commission will hold a preliminary conference on rice imports on July 10, and the Department of Agriculture is currently negotiating with importers to reduce imports.
Once the proposed RICE Act comes into force, the Department of Agriculture will bar the entry of imported 5% brokens, and the Secretary has expressed his intention to act decisively to protect domestic rice farmers.
