Trade unions denounce alleged pressure from assembly members to the MAG to cancel licenses to import corn

The unions that represent the companies that are dedicated to the production of animal protein in the country warned this Tuesday that the sector could go through the first months of next year a delicate situation due to the shortage of hard yellow corn, the main input for its processes and would put the production of chickens, eggs, turkeys and pigs at risk.

This, according to Pablo Zambrano, executive president of the National Federation of Chambers of Industries of Ecuador, was due to the recent cancellation of corn import licenses ordered by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG), which would have prevented the arrival 100,000 tons of product that were to supply the industry that has a deficit of 200,000 tons.

Trade unions ask that the output of corn be stopped and that the support price be respected

National production only reaches 1.3 million tons, which does not meet the demand of the industry that needs at least 1.5 million tons. For this reason, Zambrano explained, it is necessary to obtain import licenses for this grain that allows the feeding and processing of balanced foods for the protein chain.

In addition, he assured that there is pressure from assembly members for the cancellation of these permits.

“The country’s animal protein sector is under threat and at serious risk, because there is pressure from the National Assembly for the MAG to withdraw authorizations that have been legally given to the protein sector,” Zambrano denounced. who added: “It is unacceptable that assembly members who are part of the country’s marketing chains intend to mortgage and endanger the country’s food security.”

Zambrano asked the government to maintain the import licenses for corn and other grains that are required to safeguard the country’s food security.

Another problem derived from shortages is speculation and disrespect for the minimum price to support grain.

In this regard, Wilson Hidalgo, manager of the Ecuadorian Association of Balanced Food Manufacturers (Afaba), which represents around 176 companies, most of them small, assured that a quintal of corn sells for around $ 20, more than $ 5 of the minimum support price which is $ 14.60

“We do not want privileges, only tranquility and access to raw materials with reasonable costs to do what we know, produce and create jobs,” said Paúl Parra, president of the Association of Pork Producers of Ecuador (ASPE).

Chicken consumption grows in Ecuador, but producing it costs more than in neighboring countries

Meanwhile, Jorge Josse, executive director of the Balanced Food Producers Association (Aprobal), indicated that it is believed that the first months of next year the price will rise to $ 25.

“The news that import permits were suspended was enough so that immediately from $ 19.50, which is already an extremely high price, they ask for $ 20 and $ 21 at this time for the quintal and the country kidnapped by this group of merchants” , lamented the leader, who acknowledged that there have already been approaches with the Government on the subject and the installation of the Consultative Council was agreed, this week or the next, where the sector’s figures will be reviewed.

“We hope that it is something expeditious, that it does not have obstacles because even though there has been an opening to give a solution to this situation, nobody removes that obstacles may arise from interested groups. We hope that the minister’s offer will be transparent and positive and will lead to the importation we request, “said Josse, who assured that” the true corn producers “have not opposed the importation.