The re-composition of a price and volume watch committee and of advisory groups on livestock and poultry is seen as a good start in preventing the unimpeded importation of meat products.
Jose Elias Inciong, United Broiler Raisers Association (UBRA) president, called for the inclusion in these bodies of the National Economic Development Authority, Department of Finance, Department of Budget and Management, the Bureau of Customs and the Department of Science and Technology which are involved crafting policies in the import value chain.
In a briefing hosted by the Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc. yesterday, Inciong said the current committee and advisory group also has representatives from importers, allowing all sectors of the value chain to present data and “their realities” to help the government in making “informed decisions” and not just base them from doctrines.
Inciong said there used to be a price and volume watch committee and advisory groups for livestock and poultry in the past but was discontinued by the previous administration under former agriculture secretary William Dar.
Under Special Order No. 19 Series of 2023 dated Jan.4, 2023, the Department of Agriculture said the body’s technical committee will serve as the technical advisory body of the DA Secretary in terms of supply and demand situation of livestock commodities, meat and meat products prices for both local and international as well as for volume gaps.
In a separate statement, DA Assistant Secretary Kristine Evangelista said the body can provide stakeholders with an effective guide on the supply movement of poultry and livestock goods.
“It would be helpful to see all sides, different perspectives to come up with a solution sometimes, every now and then, we are also part of the group that has to find ways to correct inflation. Having other agencies involved will probably be beneficial also,” Evangelista said.
The body is also mandated to arrange for regular and emergency meetings to discuss issues and concerns affecting the livestock and poultry industry, prices, importation, animal disease situations, minimum access volume, importation, cold storage inventories and outlooks, among others.
It is also expected to integrate and analyze relevant information gathered during meetings; formulate situational analysis and adoption of measures that will address any volume gaps and sudden price surges; evaluate policy options to address pressing issues on supply, importation, prices and inventories; and transmit policy recommendations.
Advisory groups are tasked to assist in the close monitoring of livestock, poultry, eggs, meat, and meat product prices and other allied industries such as feeds including demand and supply trends.
They will also provide reliable industry information with regard to the prices of livestock, poultry, eggs, meat and meat products, and other allied industries such as feeds including demand and supply trends as well as help in the dissemination of information to the private sector and industry associations.