Thailand extends feed corn price scheme as proposed increase stalls
Thailand has extended its existing domestic feed corn purchase-price rules until a replacement notice is issued. Regulators will review disputed production-cost data by August 31, 2026, after postponing a proposed increase from 7.05 to 7.50 baht per kilogram.
Existing purchase-price structure remains in force
Thailand has extended its existing domestic feed corn purchase-price framework while regulators reassess production costs and consider a new price. The National Feed Corn Policy and Management Committee approved the continuation after the previous Ministry of Commerce notice expired on July 31, 2026, according to The Bangkok Insight and Thai Post.
The current rules and price structure will remain in effect until a replacement notice is issued. A proposal to increase the purchase price from 7.05 to 7.50 baht per kilogram was not approved, prompting criticism from farmers. The extension is intended to prevent a gap in price rules while the government, growers and feed manufacturers seek agreement on the data behind any revision.
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun chaired the committee meeting, which included representatives of the National Farmers Council, animal-feed manufacturers, livestock and aquaculture groups, and government agencies. The discussion focused on supporting corn growers without passing excessive costs through the feed, livestock and consumer markets.
Conflicting cost estimates delay a new price
The central dispute concerns production costs. Farmer representatives say their costs have risen, while figures from the Office of Agricultural Economics indicate a decline. Suphajee said a new purchase price could not be determined until the underlying information reflected actual conditions and was accepted by the parties involved.
The Office of Agricultural Economics will work with the National Farmers Council, the Thai Feed Mill Association, livestock and aquaculture representatives, and other agencies to complete a review by August 31, 2026. It will cover farm costs, yield per rai, expenses faced by processors, market conditions, demand and substitute feed materials. The findings are expected to inform the next pricing decision.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives was also instructed to examine seed, crop quality, production efficiency, costs and ways to increase yields. If the review confirms higher costs for the 2026/27 crop, the ministry is to consider direct assistance for farmers in consultation with the relevant agencies and in accordance with cabinet decisions.
Feed demand and imports enter the review
The committee’s market-monitoring unit will track prices, output, demand and alternative raw materials. That assessment will also be used when considering import measures, making the cost review relevant to feed mills and livestock producers as well as corn farmers. Higher corn purchase prices could support growers but would raise pressure on compound-feed costs unless the government offsets farm expenses directly.
The government has also requested a broader feed corn strategy, following an assignment made at the committee’s previous meeting in June. Its stated objective is to address recurring price disputes through improvements in productivity and competitiveness rather than relying only on annual increases in the regulated purchase price. Until that work produces a new decision, the 7.05-baht level provides continuity but leaves farmers’ demand for 7.50 baht unresolved.
