The Department of Agriculture (DA) is considering putting up its own condemnation facility for seized agricultural goods to ensure these are not diverted for resale.
DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the agency can then directly condemn all products that are illegal, are carrying disease or are contrabands seized from piers.
Tiu Laurel in an earlier interview said the DA is investigating reports of alleged diversion of seized agricultural products although initial findings showed no such incident occurred in the “last few months.”
“As far as products for condemnation in the last few months are concerned, all of them were condemned properly,” Tiu Laurel said.
Last February, the DA formed atechnical working group (TWG) meant to assist lawmakers in amending the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016 meant to further protect the country against smuggling of agri goods.
The TWG is tasked to prepare DA’s position and inputs for consideration of lawmakers.
The House of Representatives unanimously passed the Anti Agri-Fishery Commodities and Tobacco Economic Sabotage Act on Sept. 27, 2023. The Senate also approved a similar proposal voting 18-0 for the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act last December 11.
The measures are yet to be tabled in the Bicameral Conference Committee.
