"Let us debunk the issue of [lack of] supply, there is enough supply, the public should not be alarmed," according to Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap.

Industrialist Raul Concepcion of the Consumer and Oil Price Watch had earlier disclosed that a shortage of pork and chicken meat could occur in November and last until the end of December. This follows the decision of poultry farmers and hog raisers to reduce their stocks because of unprofitable operations.

"All the news that hit us this morning is without basis. What we have to do is help our farmgate growers get the correct value and prices for their produce while selling it to the consumers at affordable prices," Yap said.

Yap said he secured the commitment of producers' groups and market vendors associations -- the Philippine Association of Broiler Integrators (PABI), United Broiler Raisers Association (UBRA), Vegetable Council, Philippine Alliance of Fishing Federation Inc., hog raisers, and the National Market Vendors Association (NAMVESCO), an organization of market retailers -- to ensure stable supplies and prices of agricultural commodities at least until December.

He admitted that the rise in prices of meat products in some areas was due to the retailing cost.

He said government intervention would involve linking producers straight to the market vendors or vendor groups such as NAMVESCO.

He said NAMVESCO committed to keep prices of chicken meat lower than 100 pesos per kilogram in at least five of its member markets -- Paco in Manila, Novaliches and Commonwealth in Quezon City, Mandaluyong, and Malabon cities.

Price of medium-sized table eggs in these markets will also be pegged at 3.50 pesos per piece until the end of the year, Yap said.

Retailers in these markets have been assured of getting farm products at current farmgate prices until December, Yap added. Prices of processed meat would also remain at current levels.

Source: eFeedLink - 6th October 2004