Philippine Hog Industry Proposes P210/kg Floor Price; DA Expresses Support

AGRICULTURE SECRETARY Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. said the hog industry is proposing a P210 per kilogram (kg) floor price for live hogs, citing the need for relief from low farmgate prices. Speaking on the sidelines of the inauguration of the Philippine Carabao Center’s National Sex-Sorting Laboratory in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Mr. Laurel told reporters that the Department of Agriculture (DA) supports the proposal as a means of supporting pork producers. Mr. Laurel noted that farmgate prices for pork vary by location, ranging between P120 and P160 per kilogram. Mr. Laurel said the DA cannot enforce the proposed floor price as there is no legislation that authorizes such measures. “As of the moment, whatever it is, the DA will support what the industry suggests, and we will push,” Mr. Laurel told reporters. Mr. Laurel said he will meet with economic managers to discuss the possibility of restoring tariffs for imported pork, with the DA backing special safeguard duties. He said he hopes meat price increases during the holidays will be muted at about 1% to 3%. — Marron Joshua F. Mendoza