Rice production in the Philippines

In the Philippines, rice production is an important aspect of the country's food supply and economy.

[7] Historically, the per-hectare rice yields in the Philippines have generally been low in comparison with other Asian countries.

[8] Many Filipino farmers live in poverty due to a combination of factors, including economic policy, environmental, and land ownership issues.

[12] The Green Revolution, which was a period of greatly increased crop yields worldwide as a result of technology transfer initiatives, kicked off in the Philippines in 1960 during the administration of President Carlos P. Garcia, with the establishment of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).

As a result, in 1985, the last full year of the Marcos regime, the country imported 538,000 tons of rice.

[19] The Supreme Court of the Philippines issued a Writ of Kalikasan in 2023 ordering the Department of Agriculture to stop the commercial distribution of genetically modified rice and eggplants in the country.

Wilbert T. Lee told People's Television Network "Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon," that the "NFA's role would be an "equalizer" by purchasing palay from local farmers at a higher price and selling it at a lower price to consumers.

"[22] Philippine rice cultivation is both vulnerable to the effects of global climate change and a contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.

[23] A report published by the United Nations Development Programme and supported by the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources recommends the adoption of policies and programs to address the effects and causes of climate change.

[24] In 2008–2011, the International Labour Organization and Philippine government agencies set up a pilot project to strengthen socio-economic resilience to climate change for Agusan del Norte rice farmers, through financial protection schemes and the diversification of livelihoods.