Swine farmers still anxious in run-up to TIFA discussions

In the run-up to talks under Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA), the Cabinet has repeatedly declared that Taiwan's ban on U.S. pork containing ractopamine will stay in place.

Earlier this week, Foreign Minister David Lin (林永樂) said that the U.S. “fully understands (Taiwan's) position” and that U.S. pork imports will not be an issue in the upcoming round of TIFA talks.

Some in the swine industry and pan-green officials voiced their continued anxiety yesterday in Yunlin County.

“Do not hurt the 23 million people of Taiwan. Do not extinguish the traditional hog industry of Taiwan. If the government sells out its own people, then the people will protest intensely on the streets,” said Kang Fu-hu (康富戶), a representative from the local swine industry.

If the central government backs down on pork during TIFA talks, the DPP will respond with a protest that uses the “most intense means possible,” said Lin Yuan-chuan (林源泉), head of the DPP's Yunlin chapter.

Lin was presiding at a press event titled “U.S. pork is knocking at the door, Taiwan must hold firm: If U.S. pork comes in the door, the president must step down.”

Taiwan must maintain a hard-line attitude against pork, said DPP Legislator Liu Chien-kuo (劉建國).

Less than one year ago, the Legislative Yuan amended food safety laws under pressure from the U.S. beef lobby. To buckle again would tarnish the name of the Legislative Yuan, said Liu.

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