Manila, Philippines – The Department of Agriculture (DA) will impose a floor price ranging from P210 per kilo for pork as the Christmas season approaches, in order to protect local hog raisers from losses.
This means that traders will not be allowed to buy pork at a price lower than the rate set by the Agriculture department.
The decision was made during a meeting between the DA and local hog raisers, who expressed that many in the swine industry have been suffering heavy losses.
This move comes despite the drop in farmgate prices to ₱150–₱180 per kilo, producers said that this price is only enough to recover the costs they spent on raising pigs for sale.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. noted that consumers have not felt the effect of lower farm gate prices, as DA personnel observed during market inspections that some vendors still sell pork belly as high as ₱400 per kilo.
The DA is now studying the possibility of increasing tariffs on imported meat to 40% from the current 25% to prevent over-importation, which leads to lower demand for local meat as consumers tend to prefer imported products.
In addition, the agency is also considering reimposing the Maximum Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for pork, while taking into account the earnings of hog raisers and the welfare of consumers.
Meanwhile, Secretary Laurel reminded the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS) to intensify price monitoring of meat products in the market.
Tiu also instructed supermarkets to properly label meat products to indicate whether they are frozen or fresh pork, to prevent consumer confusion.
Vendors in public markets are likewise reminded to store meat in freezers or chillers to keep products from spoiling and to ensure food safety for buyers.