May 16, 2013

Philippines triples corn exports to South Korea

The Philippines has tripled its monthly exports of corn silage to South Korea to 3,000 tonnes.

In an interview, Philippine's Department of Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said the government's interventions in corn areas have produced good results, allowing the country to export modest volumes of the crop.

He stressed that the Philippines's corn exports are actually significant, since the country used to import between 1.3 million tonnes and 1.6 million tonnes of the crop annually.

"We exported corn silage to South Korea last week and the result has been very positive," Alcala said. "Only one container was sent to allow the South Koreans to test the crop. Several days ago, I received a report that the market was satisfied."

Before last week's shipment of corn silage, an agreement was signed with the South Koreans for monthly imports of 1,000 tonnes.

"When they saw the quality of our product, they immediately raised the volume to 3,000 tonnes a month," Alcala reported.

"For the next three months, at least, we can supply the silage. I think we have to add some more, like 6,000 hectares, for its allocation. Our other programmes are being distributed accordingly so as not to ruin our reputation," the agriculture secretary said.

He credited Agriculture Assistant Secretary Ed de Luna for the country's strong corn performance, saying that the official had aggressively pursued the expansion of corn cultivation and the use of better seeds.

Vietnam used to supply 80% of South Korea's corn-silage requirement, but it takes six days for a shipment to reach Seoul. In contrast, the Philippines only needs four days to ship the commodity. Used for feeds, corn silage can be harvested in 90 days. Ripe corn, on the other hand, takes 110 days to mature.