Bangkok: The National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) has reiterated the importance of the 3:1 measure to maintain balance in Thailand's animal feed corn supply chain. Jatuporn has approved four measures amounting to 224.5 million baht for the 2025/26 fiscal year, which are set to be submitted to the Cabinet for approval. These measures emphasize maintaining the 3:1 import ratio under AFTA to ensure a balanced domestic animal feed corn production system.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chatuporn Buruspat, Minister of Commerce, detailed after a meeting of the Animal Feed Corn Policy and Management Committee (AFCMC) that the government is committed to managing key agricultural products, notably "animal feed corn." The management strategy involves harmonizing the interests of farmers, collectors, animal feed factories, and importers, while also addressing PM2.5 air pollution. The AFCMC meeting reaffirmed its resolution made on June 10, 2025, including requirements for animal feed factories to purchase corn with 14.5% moisture at 9.80 baht/kg and for local collectors to buy fresh corn with 30% moisture at 7.05 baht/kg.
The government is prepared to procure replacement raw materials if hoarding or shortages occur. Factories purchasing below the specified price will not be able to use this as documentation for import requests at a 3:1 ratio. Measures approved to stabilize prices and promote production for 2025/26 include compensating interest on corn storage, offering loans for collection and value creation by agricultural institutions, increasing marketing channels, and improving corn cultivation efficiency. These measures will be presented to the Cabinet for approval.
The import policy remains, allowing general importers to import under AFTA from February 1 to August 31, 2026. Import regulations stipulate that for every part of wheat imported, three parts of corn must be purchased domestically, with purchases from August 1, 2025, being valid as import evidence in 2026. A subcommittee of government, farmer, and private sector representatives will monitor the situation to ensure effective import and market management measures.
Mr. Chatuporn expressed disappointment that the Thai Animal Feed Manufacturers Association did not send a representative to the meeting. However, he assured that measures would be implemented in line with the resolution, ensuring balance from farmers to factories, adhering to established regulations. Local officials have been instructed to closely monitor actual implementation. "The most important thing is to ensure that inspections comply with the resolution. Otherwise, the entire system will be affected. We have set the price, and all parties must respect the rules. Farmers can be confident that they will receive a fair price," stated the Minister of Commerce.