Bangkok: The Pig Association has formally submitted a letter to the Minister of Agriculture, voicing strong opposition to the opening of the U.S. pork market. This move by the National Swine Raisers Association underscores concerns regarding trade competition and potential health risks to consumers. The Ministry of Agriculture has acknowledged the receipt of the letter and expressed its commitment to minimizing any adverse effects on Thai farmers, while actively engaging in discussions with pertinent agencies.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Sitthipan Thanakiatphinyo, President of the National Swine Raisers Association, led a delegation comprising over 20 farmer representatives to deliver the letter to Mr. Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn, the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives. The letter outlines the association's firm opposition to opening the U.S. pork market to 1% of domestic consumption, citing significant concerns over health implications and trade equity. The association highlighted the potential revocation of the Ministry of Public Health Announcement No. 269 of 2003, which prohibits beta-agonists, such as ractopamine, in food, as a critical issue impacting public health.
The letter also addresses foreign pressure regarding the CODEX issue, emphasizing that repealing existing laws would signal full acceptance of the 2012 CODEX resolution. The United States previously revoked Thailand's GSP privileges in 2020, attributing it to barriers on pork products, an action linked to pressure from the US Swine Farmers' Group (NPPC).
The association proposed several measures: a steadfast opposition to the opening of the U.S. pork market, advocating for the government to retroactively file a reservation with CODEX to uphold national laws, and suggesting increased imports of animal feed ingredients from the U.S. as a compensatory measure. These proposals aim to benefit both pig farmers and consumers without adversely affecting Thai corn farmers.
The association urged the government to carefully consider these principles to protect pig farmers and ensure the nation's food security. It stressed that opening the U.S. pork market contravenes national conduct principles and poses a public health risk.
The Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives expressed his concern for farmers and indicated his intention to ensure the trade agreement has minimal impact on them. He assured that the association's proposals would be forwarded to relevant agencies for expedited evaluation.