NFA to Procure 300,000 MT of Rice in 2025

The National Food Authority (NFA) plans to purchase at least 300,000 metric tons (MT) of rice in 2025, maintaining its buffer stock mandate and supporting local farmers, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced on Monday.

Tiu Laurel, who chairs the NFA Council, confirmed that the procurement volume matches the 2024 levels and is intended to meet 15 days of national rice consumption as stipulated under the amended Rice Tariffication Law.

“We’re now hopeful we could do better than 2023,” he said, projecting improved palay production this year, despite challenges in 2024 due to the El Niño phenomenon.

Production and Budget Updates

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is targeting 20.46 million MT of palay in 2025, which would surpass the 2024 estimate of 19.3 million MT, impacted by drought conditions. In 2023, the country achieved a record production of 20.06 million MT.

The restoration of ₱10 billion in budget cuts for rice programs will fund strategies to bolster local rice production, Tiu Laurel noted.

Food Security Emergency

Amid high rice prices, the DA plans to declare a food security emergency on January 22, 2025. This follows the National Price Coordinating Council’s resolution urging the DA to act.

As of January 11, rice prices in Metro Manila ranged from ₱40 to ₱59.77 per kilogram. To address this, the DA has implemented a maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) of ₱58 per kilo for premium imported rice, with potential reductions depending on global price trends.

NFA’s Role and Responsibilities

The NFA ensures a stable rice buffer stock sourced primarily from local farmers and adheres to stringent measures to maintain stock quality.