According to Focus Taiwan News Channel, the COA's (Council of Agriculture) move to control hog numbers auctioned in markets can only raise future hog prices, said Chang Wen-Shan, chairman of the Pingtung County Hog Farmers Association.

According to Mr Wen-shan, due to the slow cycle of the hog industry, it will take at least 14 months before hog prices start picking up.

His comments came after Agricultural Minister Chen Bao-ji said last Tuesday at a legislative session that the COA will help return the hog price to a base level of NT$6,500 (US$219) per 100 kilograms. Chen also said the agency will immediately increase the hog inventory to 9,000 heads and inspect pig farms across the country to control hog supply.

Yen Chen-tou, chairman of the Tainan City Hog Farmers Association, said domestic auction price for hogs currently stands at NT$5,000 per 100 kilograms, while in China, price is NT$7,000 per 100 kilograms.

He urged the government to promote exports of pork to China to help offset a glut of pork in the domestic market.

Kang Fu-hu, chairman of the Yunlin County Hog Farmers Association, suggested the government inspect the overall number of hogs in the country regularly to monitor hog supply.