Ecuador’s corn production in market year 2016-17 (May-April) is forecast at 1.16 million tonnes, down from the market year 2015-16 estimates of 1.4 million tonnes. The USDA attributes the downward trend in production to the economic uncertainties surrounding the market, which is discouraging farmers from planting. Production is also down due to farmers switching to alternative crops. The report forecasts Ecuador’s corn imports in market year 2016-17 at 100,000 tonnes, up some 25,000 tonnes compared to the market year 2015-16 estimate of 75,000 tonnes.
Ecuador’s milled rice production in market year 2016-17 (April-March) is forecast at 660,000 tonnes, down 90,000 tonnes or 12% compared to the market year 2015-16 estimate of 750,000 tonnes. The USDA attributes the decrease in production to the uncertainty surrounding market prices and to the hesitation of farmers to plant. This year’s first major harvest is expected in late May.