‘Unnecessary’ pork imports harming farmers, economy, BAS warns

As Barbadians prepare for the traditionally festive consumption of ham during the Christmas season, the nation’s farming spokesman said unnecessary pork imports leave farmers facing unfair competition and risking collapse.

Chief Executive Officer of the Barbados Agricultural Society, James Paul, accused some companies of importing the product when there is “absolutely” no need to do so this year, costing the island millions of dollars in foreign exchange.

The importers are paying a much lower rate of duty on these products than they should, he suggested, robbing producers of the market they should have and the treasury of millions.

Paul told Barbados TODAY in an interview on Friday: “The farmers of Barbados have catered this year for the Christmas season, and we have ample supplies of poultry and pork that would not require any importation of pork. We have a situation in this country, where people have Champagne tastes and mauby pockets. We utilise valuable foreign exchange that we have borrowed, to finance this importation. So, we are borrowing to satisfy the luxurious tastes of some people.”

“And here it is that we have the product that is being produced of better quality in this country, where, I will tell you, that the local farmers have actually increased the production of pork. They also have increased their production of poultry to satisfy the local demands of consumers for poultry and pork. Then there is no requirement at all of any importation of both pork products or poultry products.”

The farmers’ spokesman added: “And I will also say that one of the things that we do have an issue with, is the fact that we have certain pork products that are coming in at a lower rate of duty than is supposed to happen. We have constantly asked the government, to return those duties back to where they should be because, at the end of the day, the consumers that they claim to benefit, don’t even benefit.”

“We should be charging 184 per cent on these products. So, we are robbing the treasury of Barbados, of a considerable amount of money, by not charging the appropriate tariff on these imported products. And in turn, these people who get the benefits of these low prices on these products, the consumers don’t benefit,” he added.

“I am sure they run into millions of dollars in taxes that the treasury is actually losing, to benefit persons, who have an insatiable appetite for imported products, when we have the same products available right here in Barbados that we are refusing to buy from our local producers.”

Paul also complained that a situation exists “where local pork producers are being subjected to unfair competition of even dumped products from countries outside of the region, and also, within the region. So, it is a situation where we can say, with good authority, that there is no need at all for the importation of these products to satisfy any perceived demands that people might have”.

He disclosed that the level of production could see the slaughter of at least 3 000 animals for the Christmas season.

“So, we are going to have a lot of pork around; and all I am saying is, that there is no need at all for the importation of these pork products,” Paul said.

The largest distributor of Barbadian ham brands,  Acado (Barbados) Limited, formerly Hanschell Inniss, sought to give an assurance that consumers can expect to see heightened visibility and product range heading into the Christmas season.

The company behind the Farmer’s Choice, EVE and Hilldale ham brands is “expecting sales to increase leading into the December period as its customers place on offer a selection of hams, and consumers make preparations for their festive meals”, Joy-Ann Carter, food and consumer director, told Barbados TODAY.

“While hams are available throughout the year, our Bajan traditions of consuming ham increase during the Christmas season as we celebrate with our friends and family during the joyous season.”

She noted that the trade will be well stocked with a variety of hams from her company, including Bone-In Picnic Hams under Farmer’s Choice, Eve and Hilldale brands; the Farmer’s Choice Premium Skinless Boneless Ham; Farmer’s Choice Black Forest Ham and Farmer’s Choice Leg Hams.

Retailers keep strong stock levels to facilitate various special seasons during the year, she said.

She added that selection, availability, and pricing will be dependent on the retailer, pointing out that consumers generally take advantage of various specials and initiatives that their chosen supermarkets and shops will offer.

Carter also shared that hotels, restaurants, cafés, automats and delis generally increase their selection of prepared meal options utilising ham.

For consumers who do not use pork, Carter announced that turkey products will be available during the season.

emmanueljoseph@barbadostoday.bb