DA downplays import policy, says additional supplies only sourced overseas as last resort

The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday downplayed its import policy, as it said the additional supplies of basic commodities are only sourced overseas as the last resort.

During the Laging Handa virtual briefing, Agriculture Secretary William Dar responded to farmers groups who have expressed concern on the government's import policy.

"It's not that I want importation, but it is the act of last resort so that's why I have always said before na every opportunity, every step of the way na may dagdag na budget," he said.

Earlier this month, several farmers groups such as the United Broilers Raisers Association (UBRA) called on the DA to temporarily stop the importation of chicken, to lessen competition for local farmers given the glut in frozen inventory.

The UBRA also claimed that the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) recommended local poultry raisers to "self-regulate" and "limit local production

"We will ensure and see to it that we support strongly domestic production of all the basic commodities that every Filipino needs," said Dar.

"Only when we do not have this commodity in a commercial scale and this is the policy of last resort, importing from other countries," he added.

Moving forward, Dar said additional budget is needed for the agency to increase the Philippines' food sufficiency.

"Tignan natin, it's not that we want to import but you know when you talk of food security, kagaya sa rice na lang, kung tayo ay nasa 86%, so saan mo kukunin 'yung 14% more," he said.

"That's why humihingi po tayo ng mas malaking budget para mas mapataas po natin 'yung domestic production," added Dar.—AOL, GMA News