Bangkok: Thammanat reiterated his opposition to increasing the import quota for animal feed corn by 1 million tons, citing concerns about falling GMO prices impacting exports. He stated that strict traceability measures must be implemented.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Lt. Col. Thammanat Prompao expressed his disapproval of the Cabinet’s decision to expand the animal feed corn quota in line with Thailand’s tariff and trade agreement with the United States. He emphasized concerns about the impact on domestic farmers, highlighting that the Ministry of Agriculture has consistently stood against this move. Thammanat outlined two major issues of concern: the anticipated drop in animal feed corn prices due to increased imports, which would further strain already low domestic prices, and the potential rejection of Thai agricultural exports by trading partners opposed to genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
In response to these concerns, the Ministry of Agriculture has proposed shortening the import period for animal feed corn under existing agreements with neighboring countries. The proposal limits the import period from February 1st to June 30th, instead of the original February 1st to August 31st, as Thai farmers commence harvesting in July. This proposal received Cabinet approval.
Lt. Col. Thammanat further stated that the Ministry will enforce strict traceability measures for imported corn, leveraging Thai law to control imports. He assured that these measures will prevent the importation of corn from burned areas and ensure adherence to quality standards. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s opposition to imports from the United States, stemming from agreements made by the previous government, and committed to upholding stringent traceability protocols.