DA urged to impose moratorium on chicken importation

An agriculture stakeholder group called on the Department of Agriculture (DA) to impose a moratorium on the importation of chicken into the country.

In a statement, Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM) President Edicio dela Torre expressed concern about the situation of the broiler sector amid a supply glut.

Dela Torre said that increasing importation was not only unnecessary but also worsened the current oversupply.

Data from PRRM showed that total chicken production would reach 2.26 million metric tons by year-end. However, demand was only at 1.68 million MT.

As such, ending stock would be at around 780,000 MT.

“In the meantime, there is enough reason, given the oversupply of chicken, to have a moratorium on further imports while the policy review is ongoing,” dela Torre said.

Elias Jose Inciong, chairman of the United Broiler Raisers’ Association (UBRA), argued that demand remains relatively weak but there have been some shifts to chicken because of high pork prices.

Nonetheless, Inciong noted that imports were still on the rise.

As PRRM pushes for a temporary moratorium, UBRA said any move should depend on data.

“There should be consultations first. The system is addicted to imports,” Inciong said.

“Shocks might occur if done rashly,” he added.

In a chance interview with reporters, DA spokesperson Arnel de Mesa said the department needed to review current data before imposing a moratorium on chicken importation.

“Hindi basta-basta nagbabawal ng pag-import. Kasi, ano yan, maraming gumagamit kasi ng manok… may mga choice cuts at saka MDM (mechanically deboned meat). Meron niyang ginagamit for processing. So, hindi basta-basta tinitigil. Hindi naman lahat mga manok ay diretso sa palengke,” de Mesa said. — DVM, GMA Integrated News