The Ministry of Agriculture has confirmed that the ban on chicken imports aims to support local production and achieve food security, noting that the decision is considered one of the most effective support tools currently available for poultry projects.
The Ministry’s Administrative Undersecretary, Mahdi Al-Jubouri, told the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that the decision to ban the import of whole chickens, cuts, and processed poultry products—set to officially take effect on 15 January 2026—comes within a clear government policy to support local products and protect Iraq’s poultry sector.
He explained that the decision represents one of the best support mechanisms presently available for poultry projects, stressing that protecting local production is a fundamental pillar for revitalizing this vital sector.
Al-Jubouri added that Iraq is home to thousands of poultry projects, in addition to large numbers of workers whose livelihoods were disrupted due to the suspension of these projects, noting that the decision will contribute to restarting operations and revitalizing the production cycle.
He also pointed out that local production capacities are capable of meeting the Iraqi market’s demand for whole chickens, cuts, and processed products, emphasizing that there are currently operating projects with sufficient production capacity to cover local needs.
