Erring agri firms
THE Department of Agriculture (DA) has blacklisted 10 firms for their alleged involvement in unlawful agicultural practices in the last six months.
Some of the firms were sanctioned for importing vegetables, fruits and other food products without the import clearances.
Note that imported agricultural products are required to have the necessary sanitary and phytosanitary permits.
Some of the errlng companies are not even government- licensed importers, according to the agriculture department,
“We have blacklisted more companies in the past six months than in the past six years combined,” said DA
Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said three of the firms were blacklisted for their involvement in anti-competitive practices, such as price manipulation and collusion.
The licenses of the blacklisted companies were revoked, while those without licenses were banned, according to the department.
The government, through concerned offices and agencies, hits hard at smugglers and other unscrupulous traders.
The activities of these Filipinos harm the country’s beleaguered farmers and fishermen.
Without doubt, government authorities are out to eradicate smuggling, hoarding, profiteering and cartel operations.
