National standard for corn urged

The local corn industry must head towards adopting a national standard for corn to facilitate the more efficient bulk handling and shipping of the commodity and as a prelude to the industry’s goal of eventually becoming an exporter of corn.

This was the advice of shipping heiress and National Corn Board member Doris Magsaysay-Ho following a dialogue with Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap and corn industry growers last Friday, April 27.

Magsaysay-Ho pointed out that Philippine corn at present does not have a uniform standard that would enable all corn from different producers to be mixed and treated as one homogenous commodity.

At present, Magsaysay-Ho noted, local corn is bagged and labeled according to the grower and cannot be mixed with corn produced in other areas because there is no common standard for local corn.

Magsaysay-Ho argued that if Philippine corn could be standardized, it would allow for bulk handling and shipping, allowing for the easy transport of the commodity, thus easing supply and lowering prices.

American corn, Magsaysay-Ho cited, cost lower specifically because it can be mixed and treated as a homogenous commodity and can be handled and shipped in bulk and allows for better storage even during off-peak season.

Yap met with corn industry stakeholders last Friday to address their concerns and request for more post-harvest facilities.

Local corn growers reiterated their assurance to Yap that there is no corn shortage.

However, the corn growers admitted the need for more post-harvest facilities and dryers to enable them to reduce their post-harvest losses which can range from 15 percent to 25 percent.

Corn growers even boasted to Yap that they could soon enter the export market if they are able to substantially reduce their post-harvest losses.

The corn growers told Yap that the industry is keen on increasing their production because of the prevailing and expected continued rise in global corn prices due to the increasing demand for corn for bioethanol production.