DA proposes amending Rice Tariffication Law to regulate importers

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is proposing amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law to require rice importers to contribute to maintaining the country's rice buffer stock.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. suggested that Food Terminal, Inc. and Planters Products, Inc., be granted the power to import rice on behalf of the government under a controlled model similar to the sugar import program.

The DA envisions a scenario where only qualified importers are allowed to bring in rice, with private companies required to buy palay from local farmers at fair prices for buffer stocking, reducing government costs and supporting Filipino rice farmers.

Importers would be responsible for maintaining their reserves by procuring palay from domestic farmers under a 50-50 split between the National Food Authority (NFA) and the private sector.

Tiu Laurel emphasized that regaining regulatory control over rice imports is necessary to prevent oversupply, protect farmer livelihoods while ensuring affordable rice prices for consumers.