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Thursday, October 26, 2006
Benguet council junks import of veggies from China
By Jane Cadalig
BAGUIO CITY -- The Benguet Vegetable Council is against the import of carrots and other vegetables from China, saying this could pose damage to the already ailing local agriculture industry.
Until such time that safety measures to safeguard stakeholders are established and guaranteed by the National Government, the pest risk analysis of vegetables from China, a requirement in the importation, must be stopped.
The council also asked that the signing of a memorandum of agreement with China be held in abeyance.
In a resolution, the vegetable council alleged that the analysis was expeditiously conducted.
"The fast-track completion of the analysis on carrots is a violation of the rights of farmers, traders, and other interested groups as there is no final consultation conducted with them who are greatly affected by this move," the resolution stated.
Chinese officials already set respective deadlines on the completion of the PRA (Pest Risk Analysis) on certain vegetables. The deadline imposed is October for carrots, November for potatoes, and January 2007 for onions.
Representatives from Benguet, who formed part of the analysis team that went to China last month to inspect Chinese farms and agricultural practices, said the results should be accompanied by risk management procedure before the importation of vegetables is finally allowed. (Sun.Star Baguio/Sunnex)
(October 26, 2006 issue)
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