The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) reported this Tuesday, April 25, that it did not approve the import of hard yellow corn for the start of harvest.

This, according to the state portfolio, clarifies the versions disseminated by some producers in the province of Los Ríos.

Corn producers closed the Buena-Santo Domingo highway demanding a fair price

“It is necessary to clarify that the only permits issued in the first quarter of this year are those approved by the Corn Advisory Council. All participants in this production chain agree with such decisions, as determined by articles 23 and 27 of the Ordinance on placing hard yellow corn on the market,” the Ministry announced.

He added that information from the National Customs Service of Ecuador states that the last import took place on March 7.

The corn deficit will require more imports this year, which pits industrialists against producers of this cereal

MAG’s clarification comes after corn producers closed the Buena Fe-Santo Domingo highway on Tuesday as a demand for a fair corn price. According to these farmers, it was agreed to pay 22 dollars per quintal, and they get 17 dollars, they assured.

As for the price, MAG noted that it is currently paid above the support price for hard yellow corn. He pointed out that the minimum support price, as established in Ministerial Agreement 019, is $15.57 per quintal with 13% moisture and 1% impurities, however, “information from producers and buyers of hard yellow corn reveals that the price paid by the farmer in the warehouses of the main production provinces is 17.50 dollars per quintal”.