Panel pushes import tax on farm products

The agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture subcommittee of the Governor’s Economic Revitalization Task Force has recommended the imposition of import tax on certain agricultural products to protect the local farmers from unfair competition.

JM Guerrero, chairman of the committee, said the tax money earned would be used as a reserve fund for assistance to farmers affected during calamities. Due to the importation of certain fruits and vegetables, local farmers now find it hard to market their own similar agricultural products.

To boost local production, Guerrero said there is a need to evaluate the possibility of reserving farm sites in Kagman, Calabera, Rota, Sabana Farm Plot and Tinian Marpo Farm Plot. Land fees for Kagman agricultural farm areas should be increased to discourage inefficient cultivation and to encourage more serious commercial farming.

According to Guerrero, raising the land fees will help discourage the present practice of subleasing especially to foreigners in these designated local farm areas.

With the increasing number of non-resident workers selling vegetables on the island, the committee chair said there is a need to find out whether they are paying proper licenses and fees. A task force consisting of officials from the Immigration, Public Health and Public Safety must be formed to control these activities.

“Better control will encourage the local farmers and might yield more revenue for government in terms of taxes and fines,” he said.

Furthermore, there is a need to designate a control market area for agriculture and fish concessions with the limited area amid the growing competition.

Since there is limited land available for farming, land areas in Chalan Kanoa Susupe and Tanapag must be evaluated to determine the feasibility of leasing the area to private farmers for purposes of developing food production.

“This will help provide more food production areas which will hopefully minimize importation,” Guerrero said.

In connection with aquaculture development, the committee recommended the need to identify areas in Saipan Lagoon that will be available for aquaculture park. The Department of Lands and Natural Resources must be given submerged land lease for these areas which will also be responsible for the issuance of permits.

A veterinarian that will work exclusively to the CNMI farmers must be made available since they cannot afford to pay the commercial rate being charged by the lone veterinarian on this island.