May 2, 2023

Philippines to complete two cheaper feed facilities by Q4 2023

The Philippines' Department of Agriculture (DA) will complete two facilities worth PHP 100 million (~US$1.8 million; PHP 10 = US$0.18) that will produce protein-enriched copra meal (PECM), a less expensive animal feed ingredient, by the fourth quarter of 2023, The Philippine Inquirer reported.

Ruth Miclat-Sonaco, the DA's National Livestock Programme (NLP) director, said that the agency has set aside PHP 50 million (~US$903,000) for each of the two plants, one in Batangas and one in North Cotabato.

Sonaco said that two more projects, each with a budget of PHP 50 million (~US$903,000), were planned for next year.

The official said the DA is looking for feed alternatives to mitigate the impact of rising feed raw material prices, which has resulted in higher retail prices for pork and chicken products.

The NLP is carrying out the project to hasten the commercialization of the PECM as a locally available feed ingredient to replace imported soybean, a feed ingredient for livestock and poultry.

Sonaco said soy currently accounts for 20 to 40% of the feed mix ratio.

A previous memorandum circular issued by the DA said that PECM can be 30% cheaper than soybean meal, making it more affordable for animal raisers.

The directive was issued by the agency last year, as the pandemic, exacerbated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, made it more difficult for countries around the world to import feed ingredients such as soybean meal, feed wheat and corn.

-      The Philippine Inquirer