DA prepares livestock, poultry industry for fiercer – but more profitable – global trade, increased demand for meat products
from http://www.da.gov.ph/index.php/2012-03-27-12-04-15/2012-04-17-09-30-59/5540-da-prepares-livestock-poultry-industry-for-fiercer-but-more-profitable-global-trade-increased-demand-for-meat-products
The Department of Agriculture sees bright prospects for the Filipino livestock and poultry industry as it enters into an era of globalized markets and increased demand for quality and safe meat products. And to translate these opportunities into reality for smallholder farmers, the agency said it will sustain its efforts meant to provide the necessary facilities and policy environment for further growth.
“Through the ASEAN economic integration by 2015, for instance, Southeast Asia becomes an exciting market of 600 million people for our top-notch farm and fishery commodities, notably fresh and processed meat,” said Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala.
He said the industry must capitalize on the country’s continuing freedom from major animal diseases such as bird flu and foot-and-mouth disease to fuel its expansion and reap the benefits of opportunities within and beyond ASEAN.
“Our work and strategy at DA therefore essentially revolves around two major imperatives: to strengthen our infrastructure, and make our regulatory systems more efficient and responsive through improvements in our inspection and accreditation services,” Alcala said.
In support of the export drive, DA funded the ongoing construction of a P120-million Class “AAA” poultry dressing plant in Bamban, Tarlac under the National Livestock Program. Another P150-million Class “AAA” slaughterhouse will soon rise in Tanauan, Batangas, as part of the initiatives of the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service.
To ensure the safety of domestic consumers, DA-National Meat Inspection Service spearheads the establishment and upgrade of Class “AA” slaughterhouses in key production areas across the country, in tandem with concerned local government units. Class AA abattoirs are not as modern as Class AAA types but are adequately equipped to churn out quality products.
Out of the targeted 21 Class “AA” slaughterhouses, a number have already been inaugurated this year, including President Roxas, Capiz; Lucban, Quezon; Isulan, Sultan Kudarat; and San Joaquin, Iloilo.
In addition, 17 rehabilitation projects involving LGU-owned- and operated slaughterhouses are being carried out, under its Meat Establishment Improvement Program.
Working double time
DA-NMIS Dir. Minda Manantan acknowledged the past delays in the implementation of some of the abattoir projects largely due to leadership changes in the concerned LGUs after 2013 elections, and the need to address technical issues in certain projects.
She cited the case of Libon, Albay and Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur, which were completed on time but faced delayed opening because the facilities were not yet configured to the required three-phase electric system to power high-loaded equipment.
But she said NMIS and proponents have since worked double time to catch up.
“We make sure that most of these projects will be finished by year-end and the remaining ones by early next year so that our farmers start to benefit from these facilities at the soonest possible time,” Manantan said.
At the same time, NMIS continuously accredits world-class meat processing establishments, and promotes Good Manufacturing Practices and intensifying the implementation of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point programs.
“Through our policies and services, we aim to spur the modernization of the nation’s livestock and poultry industries, aware that the employment and productivity gains that it will bring could boost the rural economy, and help ensure availability of safe, adequate and affordable meat products for all,” Alcala said.
In 2013, the country shipped around 300,000 kilograms of processed meat overseas, while the volume of poultry meat exports reached 6.8 million kilograms.
Early this year, a trial shipment of 28 metric tons of halal beef to nearby Brunei Darussalam was completed courtesy of the Philippine unit of Australia-based Wellard Group.
The country’s disease-free status, coupled with established good hygienic practices, allowed the government to gain approval to export fresh frozen chicken meat to South Korea, halal chicken to the United Arab Emirates and deboned poultry meat to Japan. (DA-OSEC)
Reference:
DR. MINDA S. MANANTAN
Executive Director National Meat Inspection Service
Mobile: +63917837872
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