December 22, 2010

Philippine pork producers re-appeal import restraints

The Pork Producers Federation of the Philippines Inc. have renewed their plea to the government to curb frozen pork products imports due to the unfair competition they pose to the local sector, specially to backyard hog raisers.

"We are facing a big challenge next year. If you notice, pork prices are not increasing due to over-importation of frozen pork, which used to go to meat processors but are now being sold in wet markets as if they were locally produced," said federation president Albert R.T. Lim Jr.

"It's good that (Agriculture) Secretary Proceso Alcala approved AO22 [Administrative Order No. 22] to control sales of frozen products in wet markets," Lim said.

Bureau of Animal Industry director Efren Nuestro said there were appeals from the US and Canada for the removal of the restriction. However, he said, the government was "bent" on implementing the order.

Edwin G. Chen, chairman of the federation's convention slated for March 2011, said he hoped the government would prioritise local products.

Chen also appealed to the government to invest in modern slaughterhouses, to elevate the sanitary standards of the local industry.

This would enable the industry to produce products that are more competitive against imports.

"We hope that eventually we can have meat and bone meal slaughterhouses. We import a lot of these products so it would be advantageous for us to invest in a porcine meat and bone processing facility," Chen said.