Port Moresby | Wednesday, 2 July 2025 — Minister for Agriculture Hon. John Boito, MP, has reassured the nation that chicken supplies in Port Moresby and other urban centres are returning to normal, following recent disruptions caused by shipping delays — while reaffirming that strict biosecurity controls on imported uncooked poultry remain in full force to protect public health, domestic food security, and Papua New Guinea’s growing poultry industry.
“I want to assure the public that the short-term chicken shortage we experienced last week was due to an unfortunate breakdown in vessel schedules transporting poultry products from Lae to Port Moresby,” Minister Boito said.
“This affected the movement of about 40 containers of poultry. The backlog is now being cleared, deliveries are resuming, and we expect supermarket shelves to return to normal this week.”
The Minister stressed that there is no supply crisis, and the temporary shortage is not a result of any failure by the local poultry sector.
“Our local industry has performed strongly. In the first half of 2025 alone, domestic poultry production increased by over 40%, thanks to strategic investments and government support,” he said.
“Over the past three years, we have seen nearly K200 million invested into poultry farming, processing, and distribution across the country. This shows our commitment to building a food system that is resilient, affordable, and locally owned.”
IMPORT CONTROLS BASED ON BIOSECURITY RISK
Minister Boito said the Government’s poultry import policy is informed by clear public health risks, especially the outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Australia and New Zealand — two of PNG’s traditional poultry suppliers.
“As Minister responsible for agriculture and food security, I cannot allow our country to be exposed to the threat of deadly animal diseases that have already impacted our neighbours,” he said.
“The risk is real. Avian flu has already led to culling of poultry flocks in parts of Australia and has now reached New Zealand. Import restrictions are absolutely necessary, and they are being taken in the national interest.”
Under the National Gazette Notice issued on 24 July 2024, and made effective on 8 July 2024:
• Mechanically Deboned Meat (MDM) and Mechanically Separated Meat (MSM) from Australia are permitted only for licensed food manufacturers, and only for use in fully cooked processed foods.
• These imported ingredients must be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 60°C for no less than 10 minutes before distribution for retail or wholesale within PNG.
• Poultry from New Zealand is permitted under specific permits and conditions issued by NAQIA.
• All other uncooked poultry imports are prohibited.
“This policy has one purpose: to protect the health of our people and the integrity of our food system. It aligns with international best practice and follows the standards set by the World Organisation for Animal Health and the Codex Alimentarius Commission of the United Nations.”
PNG’S PATH TO 100% LOCALLY PRODUCED POULTRY
Minister Boito acknowledged that while PNG’s poultry industry is rapidly growing, the path to full national self-sufficiency will take time, investment, and long-term commitment from both government and industry.
“We must recognise that the journey toward a 100% locally produced poultry industry will come with challenges — from infrastructure to disease surveillance to supply chain capacity,” he said.
“However, we must act now to prepare. In a world increasingly affected by animal disease outbreaks, we cannot continue to rely on imports. A time may come when no country can export poultry to us. If we are not ready, that day could pose a grave risk to our food system.”
He added that local poultry farming supports thousands of SMEs, from smallholder farmers to processors and distributors.
“As we approach 50 years of Independence, we must ensure that our poultry industry is strong enough to feed our people — now and into the future,” Minister Boito said.
“This is about more than just food. It is about our food security, our household affordability, and the income of thousands of Papua New Guinean families who rely on poultry to make a living.”
Minister Boito concluded by calling on all stakeholders — including producers, retailers, transporters, and government agencies — to continue working together in strengthening the poultry sector as a cornerstone of PNG’s agriculture and rural development agenda.
“We have the natural resources. We have the market. And we have the will to grow our poultry industry into a national success story. Let us use this moment to reaffirm our commitment to building a resilient and self-sufficient food system for the next 50 years and beyond.”
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