December 14, 2006

Philippines monitors poultry shipments from the US

The Philippine Department of Agriculture is closely monitoring the entry of US poultry amid reports that traders might be hoarding shipments. 

Philippines is importing the poultry from the starting of this week until December 31.

Companies allowed to import poultry are San Miguel Corp, RFM, Bounty Chicken, Tyson Agri Ventures, Philippine Association of Broilers Integrators and members of United Broiler Raisers Association.

Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap noted the industry supplied consumers with 610,096 tonnes of poultry meat in 2005, but this year's projected supply has been expected at a lower 605,385 tonnes.

He added that traders often hoard products to raise prices and the department would strictly monitor shipments to make sure authorised volumes are released to the market.