More meat imports eyed

A total of eight countries are seeking the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) accreditation to export meat products to the Philippines, as the country moves to raise the supply of the commodity still reeling from African swine fever (ASF).

- By DEXTER BARRO II

Agriculture Undersecretary for Livestock Constante Palabrica told reporters on Wednesday, May 14, that the likes of Paraguay, Thailand, Taiwan, and Chile, among others, are currently applying to get the agency’s approval.

Palabrica said Thailand is looking at exporting ducks to the Philippines, Taiwan is pushing for breeder pigs, while Chile and Paraguay are looking to ship a variety of meat products.

He said the DA is assessing a number of interested exporters “to get the best quality meat for the people at a reasonable price.”

“The more, the merrier for me, because there will be a competition of supply,” he said.