December 26, 2023

Chicken oversupply could offset reported pork shortage in the Philippines

Elias Jose Inciong, president of the United Broiler Raisers Association (UBRA), highlighted the confluence of high domestic production and aggressive importation, resulting in a surplus of chicken compared to anticipated consumption. In preparation for the holiday season, both local poultry raisers and meat importers increased production and stocks, respectively, leading to a glut in chicken supply.

Despite the oversupply, farmgate prices for chicken have dropped significantly, prompting discussions about the potential substitution of chicken for pork in the market. Inciong said that the oversupply in chicken is substantial and could offer consumers an alternative during the reported pork shortage.

Danilo Fausto, president of the Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food, Inc. (PCAFI), expressed scepticism about the reported pork shortage in Oriental Mindoro, suggesting it might be somewhat exaggerated. He pointed out that the province is near Batangas, making it feasible to import pork from there to meet the demand in Oriental Mindoro.

Fausto also acknowledged the viability of encouraging consumers to opt for more poultry consumption, given the current irregular pork supply and oversupply in chicken. Additionally, PCAFI is advocating for stricter biosecurity measures in Oriental Mindoro's ports and tighter quarantine protocols to prevent the further spread of African swine fever (ASF) within the province.

The Pork Producers Federation of the Philippines (PPFP), an affiliate organization of PCAFI, is supporting these efforts to address the challenges posed by the ASF outbreak and its impact on the province's pork production sector. Fausto highlighted Oriental Mindoro's significance in achieving food autonomy and contributing to the food needs of the National Capital Region (NCR) and Calabarzon.

-      Philippine News Agency