DA Warns of Higher Pork Prices Despite Sufficiency
THE PHILIPPINES - Although a sufficient supply of pork is expected during the holiday season, projected high prices are to be anticipated due to high demand for pork, according to the Department of Agriculture.According to Balita.org, the DA's regional executive director Larry Nacionales said the price increase is a normal trend that can be felt by consumers up to the first quarter of 2009.
Nacionales said the DA has actually completed its piglet restocking project last month where farmers were given piglets for growing to pre-empt any possible shortage.
Nacionales said live production of swine in the region is huge but processed meats are being supplied outside of the region.
Before typhoon Frank, he said that some 12,000 head of swine were shipped outside of Western Visayas every month.
“We have no problems when it comes to supplies of pork products. We have an inter-regional marketing channel where we can access these products in other regions in case of shortage, likewise we provide them with these commodities should they are in need of the same products,“ he explained.