DA to resolve poultry industry issues, oversupply amid COVID-19 crisis

MANILA, June 18- The Department of Agriculture (DA) is now working closely with Philippine poultry industry stakeholders to enhance productivity and competitiveness amid the COVID-19 crisis. 

The United Broilers Raisers’ Association (UBRA) earlier raised the alarm on the oversupply of poultry products, which they say is now affecting the market. 

“Ito po ay sanhi ng COVID restrictions. So halip na may delivery sa mga merkado, sarado. Yung mga dating kainan sarado. Bumaba ang demand at walang mapuntahan ang mga manok ngayon kaya nakatago sa mga cold storage,” Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) OIC Director Ronnie Domingo said.

The bureau also clarified that the country is not importing poultry meat products and no announcement was made about increasing the volume of imported poultry meats. 

Agriculture Secretary William Dar also denied reports that a limit was set on local production. 

“We wish to reiterate that we did not ask UBRA nor the local poultry industry to limit their production," he said. 

He then clarified that they continue to encourage not only poultry industry stakeholders, but also other key players in the food value chain to continuously elevate their game to ensure adequate, accessible and affordable food for our countrymen. 

The department will institute policy reforms to resolve poultry oversupply issues, innovate, and build needed infrastructure and processing facilities to modernize not only the country's poultry industry, but also the entire agriculture and fishery sector, making it more productive, resilient and globally-competitive.

The DA and UBRA have also agreed on the provision of financial assistance to help industry players rise above the current crisis.