POULTRY raisers are concerned that the requirements to get a permit as imposed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) would increase their cost of operations.

Stakeholders in the poultry industry, led by the United Broiler Raisers Association (Ubra), raised their concerns in a meeting with DENR officials last week. Poultry raisers and egg producers concerned that they are being required to install septic tanks and conduct environment-related studies to secure environment clearance certificates (ECCs).

Their other concerns are the changes in local government unit zoning ordinances, and that they will have to brace for inspections regarding stand-by generators.

In a statement, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said it is ready to assist poultry raisers and egg producers by coordinating with the DENR on the requirements.

Agriculture Assistant Secretary Salvador Salacup said he has asked the Ubra and other industry groups to list their concerns for the DA to coordinate effectively with the DENR and other concerned government agencies.

Salacup said stakeholders would itemize their concerns and submit supporting papers for the DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) to respond to the industry’s concerns.

The DA also said that DENR officials led by executives of the EMB assured egg producers and poultry raisers that all their concerns will be “promptly and properly addressed.”

Salacup said the DA would also suggest that Ubra and other stakeholders immediately prepare an itemized list of their concerns for the Department of Interior and Local Government, Bureau of Customs, Laguna Lake Development Authority, and other offices so that a productive dialogue could take place as soon as possible.