Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) is considering the implementation of Minimum Access Volume (MAV) Plus on imported corn and pork amid the energy emergency in the country. This initiative follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to lower tariffs on select commodities to maintain stable food prices despite the global oil price surges.

According to Philippines News Agency, MAV sets the tariff for imported pork at 15 percent, significantly lower than the 25 percent tariff rate outside MAV, and establishes a 5 percent in-quota tariff and a 15 percent out-quota tariff for corn. DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. mentioned that ongoing consultations with agricultural industry stakeholders aim to create balanced arrangements. He emphasized the potential support MAV Plus could provide to local production, stating that the acceptable volume will be determined based on industry feedback.

The corn industry has already agreed to the MAV Plus proposal, while discussions with pork stakeholders are still in progress. Tiu Laurel noted that no MAV will be imposed on chicken due to the current oversupply and pricing conditions. However, preparations for MAV Plus on chicken are underway, to be activated if necessary.

Should the consultations and agreements on volume be finalized, the DA may implement MAV Plus within three weeks. The department also highlighted a robust harvest for palay (unhusked rice), with rice farmers earning significantly above production costs. Despite a strong output for local onions, some areas are experiencing dropping farmgate prices due to overproduction. Tiu Laurel also reported good harvests for highland crops like cabbage, tomatoes, and local mangoes, but stressed the importance of continuous logistics support to mitigate rising transport costs for farmers.