Manila, Philippines – The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced that the 60-day rice import ban which ends on Septeber 30, will be extended for 30 more days.
According to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., he met with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last week.
Tiu said they both agreed to impose a minimum 30 day extension aftre the initial 60-day rice import ban, which could possibly last until the end of 2025 depending on the situation.
The decision was made, due to lower prices of unhusked rice obeserved by the Agriculture Department.
In the coming days, Tiu will assured the public that executive order will be released stating that no government offices or local government units are allowed to import rice to support local farmers.
Aside from extending the rice import ban, the DA also plans to increase rice tarrif and issue an EO for floor price on rice grain.
The President also approved the DA ‘s request for emergency procurement of unhusked rice and funding for additional warehouse rentals to store more rice purchased from farmers Agri chief says.