The Department of Agriculture, through its Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), has blacklisted 10 companies in the past six months for engaging in illegal trade activities, marking a significant crackdown on smuggling and other unlawful agricultural trade practices.

“We have blacklisted more companies in the past six months than in the past six years combined. This should serve as a clear warning to those who attempt to challenge our resolve in going after smugglers and unscrupulous traders whose illegal activities harm our farmers, fisherfolk, and consumers,” said agriculture secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr.

The move is part of DA’s intensified efforts to combat agricultural smuggling, profiteering, hoarding, and cartel activities that drive up food prices and destabilize the local market. Sec. Tiu Laurel further emphasized that, with the recent passage of the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act, government is prepared to take more decisive actions against violators.

The companies blacklisted for importing vegetables, fruits, and other food products without the necessary sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances from BPI include LVM Grains Enterprises, Kysse Lishh Consumer Goods Trading, JRA and Pearl Enterprises Inc., Betron Consumer Goods Trading, RCNN Non-Specialized Wholesale Trading, and Golden Rays Consumer Goods Trading. Of these, Kysse Lishh, RCNN, Chastity Consumer Goods Trading, and Golden Rays are not licensed importers.

Meanwhile, companies found to be involved in anti-competitive practices, such as price manipulation and collusion, have also been blacklisted. These include La Reina Fresh Vegetables Young Indoor Plants Inc., Vegefru Producing Store, and Yom Trading Corp., all of which were licensed importers.

BPI Director Gerald Glenn Panganiban stated that the licenses of the blacklisted firms have been revoked, and those without licenses were banned based on derogatory findings by the bureau.

The DA’s aggressive actions signal a renewed commitment to safeguarding the agricultural sector from illegal practices that undermine the livelihood of local farmers and consumer welfare. Sec. Tiu Laurel stressed that government will continue to hold violators accountable and take further measures to ensure the integrity of the country’s agricultural trade system. ###