AN inter-agency task force is now investigating the reported entry of smuggled fresh carrots in local markets, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).
In a television interview on Monday, Agriculture Assistant Secretary Noel Reyes said the task force includes the DA, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Bureau of Customs (BOC), and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
Reyes said the task force would look into reports of smuggled fresh carrots, which are reportedly being sold in Divisoria public market in Manila.
He noted that the Bureau of Plant Industry only issues importation permits for frozen and mixed vegetables.
“This is only for embassies and hotels so it is very limited,” Reyes said.
The DA official is it would file the necessary charges against the people who may be behind the said smuggling.
During the weekend, Highland Vegetable Multipurpose Cooperative said it received reports that the smuggled carrots were being sold in several key market nationwide.
It noted there is some evidence that the said goods came from China.
The group said the spread of the contraband items are currently making it harder for local farmers to sell their vegetables.
Reyes warned against the public from purchasing smuggled vegetables since it did not pass through the necessary food safety regulations.
“We don’t know if it has any pest or disease as well as a pesticide residue level,” Reyes.
In a related development, lawmaker asked the DA to act swiftly on the reported flooding of smuggled carrots in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Cagayan de Oro.
In a news statement, Rizal Rep. Fidel Nograles said immediate government intervention is needed amid complaints of affected farmers and agricultural traders.
“We should be alarmed with all these reports. Our farmers are still reeling from the effects of low demand due the pandemic-related economic slowdown, and then unfair competition suddenly slaps them,” he said.
“This is too much for Philippine agriculture and we are hoping that the Department of Agriculture will act swiftly,” added Nograles.
Citing Lorna Menzi, a vegetable dealer from Benguet, the lawmaker said the demand for carrots dwindled and farm-gate prices decreased due to the proliferation of cheap smuggled carrots.
Nograles, quoting Menzi, said farmers are wary that rumors are circulating that smuggled broccoli and cauliflower will be the next ones to flood local markets.
Nograles warned that if not solved immediately, this will cause tons of local produce to rot.
“We call on the DA not to let this happen. Our farmers have already tried to compete with the smuggled goods by lowering their margins but they can only do so much. The solution lies in how fast the government will be able to help them by stopping the influx of unfair competition,” he added.
Image courtesy of PNA file photo