Philippines' Bureau of Plant Industry Investigates Surge in Imported Onions Amidst House of Representatives Inquiry in Oct-23

The Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) of the Philippines has been investigating the issue of imported onions in local markets following a show-cause order from the House of Representatives. The committee chair has warned BPI officials that they could face contempt if they fail to prove the decision to issue import permits was made after consultations with farmers' groups. The executive director of the farmers' group Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) said the problem of local onion farmers is more significant than in 2022, with retail prices reaching USD 12.64 per kilogram (PHP 720/kg). White onions started arriving on Jun-23 and Jul-23 despite assurances from the BPI that imported bulbs had not entered the country. Import permits for 6 thousand metric tons (mt) of red onions were issued, and 827 thousand mt were received.