The Philippines
July 1, 2026
Filipino farmers are set to benefit from a major update to the government’s seed program, designed to help them grow more profitable crops starting the 2027 wet season.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) realigned the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program to better balance the need for high-yield harvests with the growing consumer demand for quality, softer-textured rice.
“Our goal is to provide recommendations that truly address what our regions need while meeting what the market demands,” said Dr. Flordeliza H. Bordey, RCEF Program Management Office director.
She added that the market-driven strategy shift follows an extensive consultation process led by the RCEF Program Management Office.
Bordey also noted that the new recommendations were based on insights from 25 PalaySikatan technology demonstrations, 158 variety field trials, and regional planning workshops held early in 2026.
These consultations involved farmers, seed growers, rice traders and millers, and local government officials.
Under the revised approach, each region will identify five priority varieties following a “2-2-1” seed strategy: two varieties for high yield, two varieties for good eating quality, and one variety with tolerance to climate-related stresses such as flooding, drought, and salinity.
DA Undersecretary for Rice Industry Development, Engr. Christopher V. Morales, emphasized that the new line-up addresses the persistent clash between farmer preferences for high-yielding crops and market demand for premium quality.
This approach aligns with the broader directive of Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. to boost overall farmer productivity while simultaneously expanding the supply of high-quality rice in the market.
Starting in 2027, the national seed distribution will prioritize this balance. High-yield varieties such as NSIC Rc 582, Rc 626, and Rc 216 will continue to make up about half of the supply, while nearly 25% will be allotted to premium “good-eating” varieties like NSIC Rc 218SR.
With the addition of stress-tolerant, soft-textured options like Rc 480 and Rc 534, the share of high-quality rice could reach as much as 45% of the total supply.
“By balancing these priorities, the DA is ensuring that farmers don’t have to choose between a heavy harvest and a high market price, creating a more profitable and sustainable future for the Philippine rice industry,” Morales reiterated.
Topics
Species
