It is in a nation's best interest to preserve the production of their staple foods. Thus, it is only logical that 17th century England's agriculturally based economy would make it a matter of the State to protect domestic corn production.
Corn is a general term used in England for wheat and other grains.
Thus, as Adam Smith remarked, the government had a duty to establish a legislative order to preserve the tranquility and faith of their agricultural nation. Thus, with civilian tranquility and international power in mind, England turned to its legislature for action. In 1436 and 1463, England issued the first Corn Laws granting grain growers a monopolistic advantage of the market. The laws mandated high grain prices and specified price levels necessary for exportation and importation. The Corn laws were constantly adapted to changing foreign and domestic market conditions during the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries.