Domestic rice struggling to compete with imports in 5% broken-grain segment — DA

The Department of Agriculture (DA) said consumers are favoring imported rice over domestic varieties in the 5% broken-grain segment due to a perceived quality gap, according to a report by BusinessWorld.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. told reporters that he is considering a freeze on imports of 5% broken rice to provide relief to local farmers who are struggling to compete. The move aims to support the domestic rice industry amid growing consumer preference for imported grains.

The DA's remarks highlight ongoing challenges in the Philippine rice sector, where local production faces stiff competition from imports, particularly in premium segments like 5% broken grains. The potential import freeze underscores efforts to balance market availability with farmer welfare.