March 3, 2008

Philippine hog raisers allay fears of pork shortage

The Philippine group of hog raisers said that domestic demand for pork will be met, despite reports that some 20 percent of backyard raisers have gone out of business.

Albert Lim Jr., president of National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc., acknowledged that the supply is tight but he assured there is no looming shortage.

Hog farmers, especially backyard raisers, have been reeling from feed price hikes and animal diseases.

About 70 percent of the country's hog farmers are backyard raisers.

Soy prices rose to a 37-year high of PHP24 (US$0.59) a kilogramme, corn to PHP12.00-PHP13.50, (US$0.29-US$0.33), feed wheat to PHP17.40 (US$0.43).

Animal diseases also compromised the pig industry growth.

However, despite all adverse factors, Lim is optimistic that the local pig industry can sustain growth.

In 2007, the Philippine hog output grew 2.7 percent to 1.89 million tonnes.

Meanwhile, Bureau of Animal Industry director, Davinio Catbagan, said that pork prices would not go beyond PHP180 (US$4.42) per kilogramme.