Farmers from the Central Luzon region are set to petition President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to cease rice imports immediately, and redirect government funds to aiding Philippine farmers boost rice production.
Go deeper with GlobalData
The leaders of the farmers’ umbrella group Alyansang Magbubukid ng Gitnang Luzon (AMGL) have met in Barangay Dolores for a regional forum on the issue. Secretary general of AMGL, Lita Mariano, revealed that farmers are concerned that the future of domestic rice production will be threatened without significant government support.
For example, she explained that in 1998 the Philippines government spent US$585m to import 2.1m tons of rice. The annual national crop averages at about 4.2 tons and if the money spent on imports is redirected into subsidies the farmers will be able to produce greater amounts of cheaper rice to cater for the country’s needs.
Currently, she explained, farmers are financially bound by powerful private market players, who control rice prices by loaning money to farmers for agriculture inputs.
Mariano added that farmers would also protest to Arroyo over the privatisation of the National Food Authority (NFA).
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalData
