Quantitative restriction (QR) on rice import has been a longstanding instrument of the Philippine government that regulated the importation of rice, protected rice farmers and supported the drive for rice self-sufficiency of the country. However, with the pas-sage of the Republic Act No. 11203 or the Philippine rice trade liberalization law in February 2019, the QR was lifted and replaced with import tariffs instead. This policy shift can have far-reaching impacts not only to rice and agriculture but to the entire economy and to the global rice market as well - with important implications to the general welfare, nutrition and food security of the country. Hence, an ex-ante impact assessment study aimed at simulating, quantifying and understanding the effects of rice liberalization on farmers, consumers and various stakeholders can assist the government in proactively crafting and putting in place appropriate investment and policy interventions, while transitioning from QR and moving toward longer-term rice and food security.

Some little-know facts about rice in the Philippines; Rice trade liberalization, poverty, and food security; Improving productivity in the rice sector: solutions for farmers; Potential for crop diversification.

The recent escalation of world food prices – particularly for cereals - prompted mass public indignation and demonstrations in many countries, from the price of tortilla flour in Mexico to that of rice in the Philippines and pasta in Italy. The crisis has important implications for future government trade and food security policies, as countries re-evaluate their reliance on potentially more volatile world markets to augment domestic supplies of staple foods. This book examines how government policies caused and responded to soaring world prices in the particular case of rice, which is the world's most important source of calories for the poor. Comparable case studies of policy reactions in different countries, principally across Asia, but also including the USA, provide the understanding necessary to evaluate the impact of trade policy on the food security of poor farmers and consumers. They also provide important insights into the concerns of developing countries that are relevant for future international trade negotiations in key agricultural commodities. As a result, more appropriate policies can be put in place to ensure more stable food supplies in the future. Published with the Food and Agriculture (FAO) Organization of the United Nations

This fourth edition of the Rice Almanac continues the tradition of the first three editions by showcasing rice as the most important staple food in the world and all that is involved in maintaining rice production. It also breaks new ground in its coverage of issues related to rice production, both environmental--including climate change--and its importance for food security and the global economy. It also further expands coverage of the world’s rice production area by featuring 80 rice-producing countries around the world.