PM orders close watch on market when US applies Farm Bill

Processing tra fish for exports (Photo: VNA)

The Prime Minister has urged the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to monitor the market situation when the US applies the Farm Bill in September 2017. 

He asked the ministry to work with the Ministry of Industry and Trade and relevant agencies and associations to ensure clear comprehension of the regulations outlined in the bill so management measures can be prepared.

The PM also asked the ministry to guide businesses to prepare to meet US import regulations and remove any difficulties in exporting tra fish to the market.

The US Senate on February 4, 2014 gave final congressional approval to a five-year farm bill that is feared to obstruct Vietnamese exports of tra and basa fish.

Under the provision, the inspection of catfish, including Vietnamese tra and basa fish, will no longer be a responsibility of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) but tasked to the Department of Agriculture.

Accordingly, it is a must for Vietnamese catfish exported to the US market to fulfill all requirements set for local products from production to packaging and exporting.

Along with catfish, the bill also requires beef, lamb and poultry producers, among others, to stamp their products with the country of origin.