Farmers oppose US beef import plan

The Beef Cattle Association of Thailand, along with more than 60 associated organisations, called at the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives to express concerns over a government plan to allow US beef imports in exchange for certain trade deficit items.

- ASSAWIN PAKKAWAN

The farmers fear such a move would harm the domestic market, which is already under pressure from low-priced imports from Australia and New Zealand.

Siriplporn Boonsanong, vice president of the association, said members have submitted a letter of protest to the prime minister.

“We believe allowing beef and offal imports from the US would only exacerbate farmer struggles. We are already burdened by the effects of free trade agreements with Australia and New Zealand,” he said.

He said the association will also submit its petition to the finance and commerce ministers, urging them to reconsider the policy.