THE DEPARTMENT of Agriculture (DA) said its review of the tariff regime for yellow corn, a key raw material for animal feed, is expected to be completed this month.
Agriculture Undersecretary Ariel T. Cayanan said at a virtual briefing Monday that a technical working group (TWG) will be coming up with its recommendation before the month ends.
“Within the month, we will give our recommendation to Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar. The recommendation will then be presented to the Economic Development Cluster and the Tariff Commission for further consideration,” Mr. Cayanan said.
Mr. Dar signed Special Order No. 540 on July 29 which created a TWG chaired by Mr. Cayanan to examine the “possible reform of the tariff structure for yellow corn and to identify the necessary measures to ensure protection of our corn tillers if the tariff reform is implemented.”
The order directed the TWG to review a proposal to lower the tariff of yellow corn from non-ASEAN countries.
“We are trying to determine the right modalities on the importation, including the tariff line. It is not the DA’s end in mind to lower the tariff. If the results of the study show that we should lower, then we will recommend its reduction. However, if the study determines that it should remain as it is, then we will do that,” Mr. Cayanan said. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave