January 28, 2010

Philippine farmers raise concern over zero-tariff wheat

The Philippine Maize Federation (Philmaize) is voicing its concern about the impact of the influx of feed wheat because this could harm the interests of corn producers.

The government of the Philippines is considering lifting the tariff on wheat imports to stabilise bread prices, but corn growers are asking that feed wheat not be included in the move.

A six-month tariff exemption that began in November 2008 resulted in an influx of feed wheat and lowered demand for domestic feed corn.

The Philippine Maize Federation said that a repeat of the scenario could lead farmers to plant less corn and cause supply problems in the long run.