NFA to buy local corn from farmers by 2026

The National Food Authority (NFA) is planning to resume buying corn from local farmers by 2026 as part of a pilot program in selected areas, aiming to improve farmers' livelihoods.

NFA Administrator Larry Lacson stated that the initiative will commence once a budget is secured.

This plan aligns with the Department of Agriculture's earlier announcement in January and was reiterated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

President Marcos Jr. emphasized that the NFA's return to procuring both rice and corn is intended to ensure a decent and stable income for farmers.

He further stressed the goal of providing farmers with a better livelihood, free from constant struggles and uncertainty regarding improving their harvests.

The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that local corn stocks at the beginning of the year were significantly down by 45 percent compared to the previous year.