Iraq’s Ministry of Agriculture announced on Wednesday a permanent ban on the import of 33 food items, while imposing seasonal and adjustable restrictions on 15 agricultural crops based on local production and harvest periods.
Ministry spokesperson Qusay Al-Hattab said the agricultural calendar includes a list of products subject to permanent import bans, including sheep, calves intended for breeding and processed fats, as well as various types of minced meat, slaughtered-animal parts, animal protein, horses and certain predatory and endangered animals and fish.
He explained that the crops subject to changing restrictions include tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes, onions and eggplants, with import decisions determined according to reports from specialized committees monitoring domestic production and market supplies.
Al-Hattab added that vegetable imports are currently suspended during the local production season following the prime minister’s approval of the Agriculture Ministry’s request. He stressed that the restrictions are temporary and may be lifted once the season ends or if shortages emerge in certain crops.
