Domestic rice struggling to compete with imports in 5% broken-grain segment — DA

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said consumers are demonstrating a preference for imported rice in the 5% broken-grain segment over domestic varieties because of a perceived quality difference.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. told reporters that he is considering a freeze on imports of 5% brokens to provide relief to rice farmers.

Mr. Laurel said he 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.

“Hopefully by 2028, the quality of our rice will be 100% so we can compete,” Mr. Laurel said.

Any halt in imports could take place starting September, he added.

Mr. Laurel said any action against rice imports will also need to await the result of the Tariff Commission’s safeguard measures investigation.

Mr. Laurel said that while the recommendation is to either increase safeguard duties or impose quantitative restrictions, the DA has consulted farmers, millers, importers, and traders about slowing down rice imports.

He said the DA will gain more authority to act on its own with the passage of the Rice Industry and Consumer Empowerment (RICE) Act in about a month, adding that he will bar the entry of imported 5% brokens once the proposed law comes into force.

“As much as possible, we are negotiating (the reduction of imports). If the new RICE Act comes out, I will not allow it. But for now, we are pleading with them,” Mr. Laurel said.

The Tariff Commission will hold a preliminary conference on rice imports on July 10. — Marron Joshua F. Mendoza