Some roads in the provinces of Los Ríos and Santo Domingo saw closures this Monday morning, May 15, by hard yellow corn producers who are demanding that the minimum support price (PSM) be set at $21.60, higher than the current one ​​from last year, which was determined by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG), is $15.75.

The feed industry and protein producers expect April to close with the purchase of 40,000 tons of corn

The producers stated that despite having meetings with the head of MAG, Eduardo Izaguirre, no agreements were reached on the establishment of a new PSM. Another reason for the protest, according to corn growers, is that the Ministry approved the import of 174,000 tons of corn, and they assure that this product is rotting in warehouses.

The producers already held protests and road closures at the end of last April for the same reason.

Meanwhile, the industry, through the Association of Balanced Food Producers of Ecuador (Aprobal), ensures that they pay $17.50 per quintal, which, according to the sector, is 11% more than the established price of $15.75; and more than international prices that range between $15 and $17.

In this regard, MAG announced in a statement published on Monday, May 15 at noon, that it will study the costs of corn production and that it maintains a direct dialogue with grass producers.

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

The government portfolio has expressed concern about the demonstrations and that they are taking place in parallel when meetings are being held to discuss the cost of production for growing maize.

“All decisions that will be made will be based on a rigorous and in-depth analysis of the market situation and the needs of producers,” explains MAG in the press release, in which it reminds that the talks are a space for dialogue. where the leaders involved promoting this road closure “is where they can express their views and contribute their opinions.”