Poultry producers warn against imported meat and request meeting prime minister

The Iraqi Association for Poultry Producers has issued clear warnings regarding the influx of imported eggs and meat into local markets, while board members requested an urgent meeting with Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi. Association Chairman Ali Al-Muzaffar explained that the union does not oppose state decisions, but strictly seeks to support domestic output, stressing their commitment to supplying the domestic market with live, frozen poultry, and table eggs. He added that despite recurring crises, domestic suppliers successfully provided produce and achieved self-sufficiency recently, aiming to act as a strategic reserve for the government. However, producers were surprised by a cabinet decision suspending customs tariffs and taxes on imported poultry, directly harming domestic production. Al-Muzaffar warned that spoiled items of unknown origin, including cut, frozen chicken and eggs, are entering the country, urging the prime minister to pause the resolution and consult the Ministry of Agriculture to prevent losing national production capacity. He affirmed that farmers receive zero governmental subsidies while paying feed expenses and taxes, noting that egg prices were stable until 21 tax-exempt cartons entered, driving prices down from 85,000 to 65,000 locally.