Bangkok: The Ministry of Commerce is moving quickly to announce corn purchasing prices to safeguard farmers.
According to Thai News Agency, the Minister of Commerce, Mr. Chatuporn Buruspat, has outlined plans to set purchase prices for animal feed corn pending approval from the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB). Farmers can expect to sell at rates ranging from 7.05 to 9.80 baht per kilogram, contingent on moisture content, with the announced prices remaining effective until July 2026.
The Minister has directed the Department of Internal Trade to hasten the drafting of the corn purchasing price announcement. This effort, in collaboration with relevant agencies, aims to ensure the enforcement is clear and reflective of the regional situation. The decision follows a resolution by the Animal Feed Corn Policy and Management Committee (APCMC), which approved the official domestic corn purchasing price for the 2025/26 production season to boost farmer confidence.
The established prices include fresh corn with 30% moisture content in key areas such as Phetchabun, Kamphaeng Phet, Chaiyaphum, Phichit, and Uthai Thani at 7.05 baht per kilogram. Dried corn with 14.5% moisture content will be priced at 9.80 baht per kilogram at animal feed factories in Bangkok and surrounding areas. Price adjustments in other provinces will consider factors like distance, transportation costs, and moisture content.
The existing criteria remain, stipulating that animal feed factories may only import corn under the WTO framework or wheat once they have purchased domestic corn at a 1:3 ratio. Mr. Chatuporn stressed that these prices aim to ensure a fair market during the harvest season, allowing farmers to receive equitable compensation.
This price structure will be enforced until the season's end, guaranteeing farmers a market at fair prices. Factories must adhere to these prices to maintain stability. The initiative involves collaboration between the Field Crops Trade Association and the Thai Animal Feed Manufacturers Association, who will work together to overcome trading challenges and support farmers' interests.