The Department of Agriculture (DA) is pushing for a bill to restore and expand the National Food Authority’s (NFA) powers to buy corn and rice directly from local farmers and cooperatives.
The proposed Rice Industry Competitive Enhancement (RICE) Act, filed by House Speaker Martin Romualdez, aims to amend the Rice Tariffication Law and strengthen the NFA’s role in securing food supply.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized the importance of corn, especially for livestock and poultry feed, highlighting its critical role in food security.
However, some farm scientists and advocates warn that restoring the NFA’s traditional procurement and price control functions could lead to past mistakes, urging instead a shift toward a science-based and value-added approach.
They also recommend broadening the NFA’s mandate to support other staple crops and focus on infrastructure and marketing assistance for farmers.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 13, 2025
