Agriculture Ministry Receives Farmers' Request to Block GMO Corn Imports from the United States
Thai corn farmers urged the government to block GMO corn imports from the United States, citing concerns over local production costs and job security, as the Agriculture Ministry pledged to review import policies with other agencies.
The secretary to the agriculture minister, Sarawut Nuengchumnung, along with Thongsak Songpromunduenchai, an advisor to the agriculture minister, met with the Field Crops Trade Association led by Therdsakdi Laphchitrakusol and representatives of 30 animal feed corn farmers from lower northern Thailand at the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. The farmers proposed that the government review its policy on importing genetically modified animal feed corn (GMO) from the United States, which could potentially affect product prices, production costs, and the job security of Thai farmers. The corn farming group also urged the government to accelerate assistance to farmers through price management, production input support, cultivation promotion, and relief for those impacted by the drought crisis. They additionally requested a review of agricultural standards regarding dry corn seed collection facilities without burning to align with farmers' production conditions in their areas. The agriculture ministry's secretary stated that the ministry will compile farmers' proposals and concerns to coordinate information with the Commerce Ministry and relevant agencies for consideration of balanced trade and import measures, while closely monitoring the situation to ensure fairness to producers, businesses, and consumers.
