• The Department of Agriculture, through the Bureau of Plant Industry, blacklisted 10 companies in the last six months for smuggling and illegal agricultural trade activities
• More companies were blacklisted in six months than in the previous six years combined, according to Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr
• The Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act bolstered the DA’s capacity to combat smuggling, profiteering, and hoarding
The Department of Agriculture (DA), through the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), has blacklisted 10 companies in the last six months for engaging in smuggling and other illegal agricultural trade activities.
“We have blacklisted more companies in the past six months than in the past six years combined,” said Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr in a statement.
“This should serve as a clear warning to those who attempt to challenge our resolve in going after smugglers and unscrupulous traders whose illegal activities harm our farmers, fisherfolk, and consumers,” added Tiu Laurel.
The action follows the implementation of the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act, which provides the DA with stronger legal tools to address smuggling, profiteering, hoarding, and cartel activities that contribute to rising food prices and destabilize the local market, according to Tiu Laurel.
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Among the firms blacklisted for importing vegetables, fruits, and other food products without the necessary sanitary and phytosanitary clearances are LVM Grains Enterprises, Kysse Lishh Consumer Goods Trading, JRA and Pearl Enterprises Inc., Betron Consumer Goods Trading, RCNN Non-Specialized Wholesale Trading, and Golden Rays Consumer Goods Trading.
Of these, Kysse Lishh, RCNN, Chastity Consumer Goods Trading, and Golden Rays are not licensed importers.
Among the firms blacklisted for importing vegetables, fruits, and other food products without the necessary sanitary and phytosanitary clearances are LVM Grains Enterprises, Kysse Lishh Consumer Goods Trading, and Betron Consumer Goods Trading. Companies involved in price manipulation and collusion, such as La Reina Fresh Vegetables Young Indoor Plants Inc., Vegefru Producing Store, and Yom Trading Corp., were all licensed importers.
BPI director Gerald Glenn Panganiban confirmed that licenses for blacklisted firms have been revoked, while unlicensed operators were banned based on derogatory findings.
Tiu Laurel in a statement said the “government will continue to hold violators accountable and take further measures to ensure the integrity of the country’s agricultural trade system.”
