Ecuadorian maize producers threaten road blocks over wheat imports

Ecuadorian maize producers have issued an ultimatum to the national government, threatening to block strategic highways if the import of foreign wheat is not halted. The producers claim that the irregular entry of wheat is displacing local grain, as the animal feed industry is opting for cheaper imported raw materials instead of domestic maize.

Representatives from the Sopracor maize guild, including engineer Adriano Ubilla, stated that the industry is in crisis because they can no longer effectively commercialize their product. This issue coincides with the summer harvest in Los Ríos province, placing approximately one million tons of grain at risk.

Producers also cited unsustainable production costs, noting that international price hikes have led to a 120% increase in fuel costs and an 80% increase in fertilizer prices. They reported that local industry offers only $16 per quintal of maize, a price that fails to cover production costs compared to the $19 cost of nationalizing imported grain.