Local
The Iraqi Association for Poultry Producers issued warnings regarding the adverse effects of importing foreign eggs and meat, while its members urgently requested a meeting with Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi. The association's head, Ali Al-Mudhaffar, stated that domestic producers do not oppose state policies but strive to defend national output, emphasizing their full commitment to supplying local markets with live and frozen poultry alongside table eggs. Al-Mudhaffar explained that the sector achieved self-sufficiency despite ongoing hardships, acting as a strategic reserve, yet the cabinet's decision to suspend customs duties and taxes on poultry imports heavily impacted domestic farming. Furthermore, he raised alarms concerning the arrival of corrupt chicken parts, frozen meat, and eggs of unknown origin, urging the Prime Minister to halt the measure and consult the Ministry of Agriculture to safeguard production capabilities. He highlighted that farmers receive no government subsidies while paying taxes and feed costs, renewing demands for talks to explain their concerns, noting egg prices were regulated before 21 cartons entered duty-free, dropping carton prices from 85,000 to 65,000 dinars.
