DA warns rice sector on bogus import offers

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has cautioned rice millers and importers against groups peddling fake import “allocations,” calling the scheme a scam and reiterating that the rice-import moratorium remains in effect until 31 December.

Reports reaching the DA show individuals circulating solicitation forms — particularly in Cebu — claiming that signatories would be allowed to import rice as early as December and receive guaranteed volumes. The agency said no such authorization exists while the moratorium is still in force.

“This is fake news, this is a scam,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said. “We are on to you.”

The import freeze, imposed in September after farm-gate prices in major producing provinces fell to around P8 per kilo, helped prices recover to P13–P14 per kilo in areas such as Isabela and Nueva Ecija. The moratorium was later extended amid renewed price softening during peak harvest.

One sample form obtained by the DA uses official-sounding language and cites past import volumes, implying inclusion in a “food security program in 2026.” The agency said the document is fraudulent and urged industry players to report similar solicitations.

Legitimate import guidelines will only be issued once the moratorium is lifted and after the DA completes its assessment of local production, supply conditions, and projected demand.