July 29, 2010
 

Philippine pork prices may rise in December

There is likely a shortage in pork supply in the Philippines by December if the Aquino Administration does not address the continued shortfall in hog production.

According to Albert Lim, president of the Federation of Pork Producers, there is a continuing shortfall in hog production, but due to the continued lack of demand, pork prices are holding steady.

He pointed out that if production is adequate, pork prices should have dropped by now. Instead the Department of Agriculture said pork prices range from PHP150 (US$3.26) to PHP175 (US$3.81) per kilo in the wet markets and much higher in the supermarkets.

On the other hand, farmgate prices in Luzon are down to an average of PHP106 (US$2.30) per kilo and much lower in the Visayas and Mindanao, Lim said.

Lim stressed the DA should now venture on a piglet distribution programme for backyard farmers so that by December, when demand is expected to pick up again, there will be adequate supply.