Agriculture
BOC uncovers fish smuggling in frozen food shipments
Agriculture secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on Monday led an inspection of shipments at the Manila South Harbor and laid bare long suspected fish smuggling operations. The inspection revealed that 19 container vans, initially declared as processed plant-based commodities like taro sticks and sweet potato balls, were actually loaded with frozen mackerel and galunggong or scad.
Unregistered importer caught declaring onion as processed food
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has haled Chastity Consumer Goods Trading before the Olongapo City Prosecutor’s Office for misdeclaring imported onions as processed food, in violation of the Food Safety Act and the Plant Quarantine Law of 1978.
Agri chief promotes ice plants to reduce waste
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. is promoting the establishment of a network of solar-powered ice plants to reduce spoilage and post-harvest losses in agricultural and fisheries products.
Price cap on imported rice set lower to P49/kg beginning March
The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday said the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for imported rice will ease to P49 per kilogram starting 1 March this year as reflection of the continued decline in world market prices.
DA cracks down on onion hoarding amid rising prices
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on Monday directed the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) to conduct an urgent inspection of onion cold storage facilities across the country.
