Department of Agriculture approves entry of Korean oranges

MANILA, Philippines - Chinese oranges will soon face competition from Korean oranges following the Department of Agriculture’s approval of the entry of Korean oranges from Jeju Island, South Korea to the Philippines.

This was disclosed last Friday by Bureau of Plant Industry director Larry Lacson who said that his agency has conducted the necessary Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) for the Korean oranges and has likewise consulted stakeholders. 

The BPI, Lacson assured has found no technical problems with the entry of Korean oranges into the Philippines.

Lacson said that an administrative order has already been signed by Agriculture Secretary Bernie Fondevilla allowing the Korean oranges entry to the Philippines. 

The next step, Lacson said, is for the Philippines to hold bilateral talks with Korea to set out details for the export of the oranges to the Philippines.

After those talks, Lacson said, the Philippines will sent an inspection team to Jeju Island, most likely within the next six months. 

The approval for the entry of Korean oranges into the Philippine market, Lacson said would mean that “the oranges from Jeju will compete with oranges from China.” 

Korea, Lacson added, already exports mushrooms, persimmons and strawberries to the Philippines.

The Philippines, on the other hand, Lacson assured, exports bananas, mangoes and pineapples to Korea.