October 9, 2008

Philippine corn output in '09 May rise to 7.8 million tonnes

Philippine corn output next year could rise to 7.8 million tonnes as local growers are eyeing exports to South Korea and Taiwan, a senior agriculture official said Thursday, 2 October 2008.

Agricultural Assistant Secretary Dennis Araullo, programme director for corn said production next year could range between 7.7 million to 7.8 million tonnes.

Araullo said corn farmers are expected to plant more, now that the industry is finalizing plans to export up to 300,000 tonnes a year to South Korea.

He added that the industry is also eyeing exports to Taiwan.

Corn production this year is projected to reach 6.94 million tonnes.