August 2, 2007

Philippines may import 200,000 tonnes of corn if drought persists

The Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) is considering importing via tender 200,000 tonnes of yellow corn due to foreseen prolonged drought.

Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap said the dry spell could reduce local corn output by 150,000 to 170,000 tonnes under a worst case scenario.

He said an additional tender will be called if the private sector is also interested to import. No date was given for the bid.

The tender would be part of the total 400,000 tonnes of corn the government has earlier committed to import in making up for local production shortages this year.

The government earlier allowed local feed mills and poultry and livestock firms to buy 200,000 tonnes of corn overseas for arrival for June to July.