THE Department of Agriculture (DA) is looking to increase the minimum access volume (MAV) for corn and pork in an effort to reduce consumer costs, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said on Tuesday.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had instructed the DA and the Tariff Commission to lower duties on the two commodities but Tiu Laurel said the MAV Plus system would be a better alternative.
The MAV system allows the entry of agricultural commodities at lower tariffs while the MAV Plus increases the volume covered.
However, the DA chief said the agency suggests using MAV Plus, or an increased MAV, instead.
“The DA’s suggestion is using MAV Plus. We will just increase the minimum access volume so farmers will not be affected,” Tiu Laurel said.
The MAV in-quota tariff rate for pork is 15 percent while out-quota duty is 25 percent. For corn, the in-quota rate is 5 percent, out-quota imports are taxed 15 percent.
Tiu Laurel claimed that corn industry stakeholders had agreed to the proposal while talks were still ongoing with the pork sector.
Specific import volumes have yet to be determined, he added.
“We will follow the industry’s recommendation, so we have a common ground. If it is not enough, then we will just add more,” Tiu Laurel said, adding that implementation could follow within three weeks.
Tiu Laurel also said that chicken industry stakeholders were also consulted about employing MAV Plus for imports but refused given a domestic oversupply.
However, he said the DA would still plan for a similar increase in chicken imports, with the MAV Plus to kick in only if needed.
“Just so we’re prepared. We must always be prepared,” he said.
Asked about lifting special safeguard duties on chicken, Tiu Laurel said they were also considering this option.
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