In the animal protein chain, there are concerns about a possible shortage of hard yellow corn, a raw material for the production of balanced animal feed, which is required by the industry dedicated to the production of animal proteins such as chicken, pork and eggs.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock clarifies that it has not approved the import of hard yellow corn

The Association of Balanced Feed Producers of Ecuador (Aprobal), the Association of Balanced Feed Producers (Afaba), the Association of Pig Breeders of Ecuador (ASPE) and the National Corporation of Poultry Breeders of Ecuador (Conave) warned on Saturday, 11/18 through a statement, that there could be a shortage grass during February and March 2024, which would threaten food security in the country.

After the Advisory Council, which was convened by the Undersecretariat for Marketing of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG), producers and industrialists of the corn sector presented their views and analyzes on the approval of corn imports to cover the industry’s annual deficit, but no agreement was reached.

According to the Academy, the demand for hard yellow maize is 1,460,000 metric tons per year in the country, and local production covers between 85% and 90% of that annual demand, although the demand will not be covered in 2022, according to The industrial sector is estimated at about 400 000 tons, which is significantly more than in 2021, which was 230,000 tons. As for the deficit calculated for this year, the sector did not provide details.

Following an agreement between the industry and producers, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock has set the minimum support price per quintal of hard yellow maize at USD 16.33

Meanwhile, the minimum support price for a quintal of hard yellow corn with 13% moisture and 1% impurities is $16.33 for this year, valid until next December. This value was determined between manufacturers and industrialists in the Advisory Council of this chain on June 7, but was made official on June 23 by Ministerial Agreement No. 046.

Industrialists hold intermediaries responsible

Meanwhile, unions in the animal protein chain point to middlemen as responsible for possible shortages. “We now hold these well-known groups responsible for the future corn shortages the country will face, even more so with the immediate risk of crop losses due to El Niño, if the corresponding deficit is not approved,” the unions warned. They pointed out that it is now up to MAG to assume its responsibility and ensure the supply of raw materials and corn to the chicken, egg and pig production sectors in the coming months.

“It should be noted that, in order for the corn deficit to arrive in the country on time, in February, due to delays in deliveries and demand on the markets, it is necessary for the deficit to be approved in November, as established by Ministerial Agreement 134,” the unions pointed out.