100% pork max SRP compliance, says group

MANILA, Philippines — Compliance with the maximum suggested retail price (SRP) for pork products is at 100 percent, according to farmers’ group Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (Sinag).

Hog producers have followed the farmgate price of P230 per kilo of pork, the group said yesterday.

Sinag chairman Rosendo So said there is no reason for other stakeholders not to afford the max SRP of P350 for pork shoulder and P380 for pork belly since hog raisers have agreed to lower their farmgate price to P230 per kilo from P250.

Department of Agriculture (DA) spokesman Arnel de Mesa earlier said compliance with the pork max SRP, enforced since March 10, increased to 31 percent from 25 percent.

“The decision to implement a max SRP is part of the local industry’s collective effort to help consumers by reducing local pork prices while working for the viability and sustainability of the local hog industry,” So said on the sidelines of the 31st National Hog Convention at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay.

An industry-wide consultation should be organized by the DA to address low retail compliance with the max SRP, he noted.

For his part, Sinag executive director Jayson Cainglet said while there is a focus on local fresh pork prices, it is high time for the DA to consider reverting pork tariffs to their original rate.

Per Executive Order 62, Cainglet noted that pork tariffs were slashed to 25 percent from 40 percent for out-quota, and to 15 percent from 35 percent for in-quota.

“Despite record pork imports last year, it did not contribute to the reduction of pork prices. Similar to rice imports under EO 62, any savings from tariff reduction did not result in decreased pork prices,” he said.

‘Increase swine production’

Meanwhile, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. yesterday challenged the swine industry to increase hog production by six million by 2028.

Adding about two million hogs annually in the next three years will bring back the population of 14 million before the outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) began in 2019.

“Now we have eight million hogs, creating a six-million head deficit,” he said.

“My challenge to the industry is clear: we need to produce an additional two million hogs each year – through 2026, 2027 and 2028 – to return to pre-ASF levels… and that’s the minimum,” he added.

The expected commercial rollout of an ASF vaccine this year and financial support from the proposed Animal Industry Development and Competitiveness Act could help accelerate the industry’s recovery, he noted.

Under the proposed animal industry competitiveness enhancement fund, at least P4 billion will be allocated to the swine industry to support its recovery and growth, he said.

Tiu Laurel has directed Agriculture Undersecretary for livestock Dante Palabrica to guide the swine industry’s recovery.

At least two large commercial hog producers have committed to each produce half a million more hogs starting next year, Tiu Laurel said.

Garlic max SRP eyed

A max SRP for imported garlic is being studied by the DA.

Retail garlic prices have reached P200 per kilo, Tiu Laurel said.

“Ninety-five percent of our supply is imported. If it reaches P160 per kilo, that’s wrong. There is already profiteering,” he said in a chance interview.

The landed cost of imported garlic is only P80 per kilo, he noted.

Meanwhile, party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo has vowed to propose measures amid skyrocketing prices of food and farm products.

Traders or middlemen are procuring agricultural produce at farm gates at low prices and selling them in the market at a higher price, the senatorial candidate noted.

“As a result of this practice, farmers, hog raisers and poultry growers earn less. It is the traders who earn much,” he said.

“There is this problem with food and everybody is experiencing a high cost of living. Perhaps the Senate or Congress need to revisit this,” he added.

At Quezon City Rep. Juan Carlos Atayde’s first State of the District Address on Monday, Tulfo congratulated Atayde and Mayor Joy Belmonte for making their city progressive.

Meanwhile, senatorial candidate Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar has filed a bill allowing pregnant women to work from home.

A flexible work arrangement, she said, would allow pregnant women to take care of their health, giving them time for medical consultations. — Delon Porcalla