Farmers in various corn-producing regions across the country are raising alarms over the drastic drop in the price of yellow corn, which has left many producers struggling to break even. The current farm gate price of corn has plummeted to alarming levels, with reports indicating that fresh corn is being sold for as low as P7/kg in Lasam, Cagayan, and P10/kg in areas like San Mariano and Roxas, Isabela. The situation has worsened in Mindanao, with prices plummeting to P16-P17/kg from an earlier P25/kg, causing widespread panic and financial strain among farmers. This price free fall has severely impacted farmers, who are now calling for urgent government intervention.

According to DAGAMI, KMP’s chapter, as of Sept. 23, the per kilo farm gate corn prices in Isabela, Cagayan and Quirino provinces are as follows:

Fresh yellow corn: Alcala P6-P7/kg, Tumauini P9/kg, Maddela P7-P8/kg,

Dry yellow corn: Alcala P8/kg, Cauayan P17/kg, Santo Tomas P16.50/kg

“Despite facing challenges such as pests, typhoons, and the recent El Niño, corn farmers managed to produce a good harvest, yet we are being crushed by these rock-bottom prices,” according to Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) chairperson Danilo Ramos. “The cost of farming inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and labor has skyrocketed, and yet the price of corn keeps dropping.”

According to DAGAMI, KMP’s provincial chapter in Isabela, farmers are attributing the crisis to massive corn importation and the continuation of reduced tariffs on imported corn, as stipulated in Executive Order 62, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in June this year. The EO extended reduced tariffs on corn, pork, and rice imports through 2024, which has led to an oversupply of cheaper imported corn in the market, further driving down local prices and undermining local producers.

Corn growers are demanding immediate government intervention to stop the flooding of imported corn and instead support local production by providing affordable farm inputs, proper storage facilities, and better transportation infrastructure. They also call for the revival of the National Food Authority’s (NFA) role in buying their produce at fair market prices.

According to the latest data, the Philippines is the 16th largest corn producer globally, with over 500,000 families cultivating corn across approximately 2.5 million hectares of farmland. In 2022, the country’s corn production reached over 7 million metric tons, with 72% of the output being yellow corn primarily used in animal feeds. Despite being a major agricultural sector, local farmers struggle to compete with imported corn due to higher production costs and limited government support.

“The government should prioritize the plight of our corn farmers, not the interests of foreign companies and importers. Farmers are the backbone of the country’s agricultural sector, yet we are left with nothing but debt and hardships,” Ramos, also a Makabayan Senatorial candidate said.

Cagayan Valley farmers are planning mass actions and dialogues this October to call for fair pricing, significant government support, and justice for the neglected corn farming sector. #