Agri group backs P380/kg price cap on liempo

The Evolution of Agri Backing a Fair Price Cap on Liempo

As we navigate the complexities of modern agriculture, it's essential to ex
examine the evolving landscape and its impact on our food systems. In this 
post, we'll explore how the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (Sinag), a p
prominent farmers' advocacy group, has taken a stance on the proposed price
price cap on local liempo (pork belly).

Addressing the Disconnect

According to Sinag, the proposed P380 per kilogram (kg) price cap aims to a
address the growing disconnect between farmgate and retail prices of pork. 
This gap is significant, with farmgate prices averaging a low P180-P190/kg 
in the past seven months, while that of liempo remains high at P400-P450/kg
P400-P450/kg.

Supply Chain Failures The Root Cause

The group attributes this gap to supply chain failures, including weak mark
market regulation, excessive intermediary or middlemen margins, and poor pr
price transmission. This highlights the need for a more robust and transpar
transparent supply chain system to ensure that farmers receive a fair price
price for their products.

A Call to Action Restoring Pork Tariffs

Sinag also criticized the neoliberal policy bias that relies on importati
importation and tariff reduction to lower retail prices, arguing that such 
policies have failed consumers while harming local pork producers. The grou
group demands that government restore long-overdue pork tariffs to their or
original levels 40 percent for Most Favored Nation (MFN) rates and 30 perc
percent for Minimum Access Volume (MAV) rates.

Strengthening Local Food Production

Sinag emphasizes the importance of investing in domestic production, statin
stating that shifting the country's focus toward strengthening local food p
production would lessen dependence on external sources, protect the economy
economy from global shocks, safeguard rural livelihoods, and ensure long-te
long-term food security.

Conclusion

As we navigate the complexities of modern agriculture, it's essential to pr
prioritize fairness, transparency, and sustainability in our food systems. 
By supporting initiatives like the proposed P380/kg price cap on liempo and
and strengthening local food production, we can create a more resilient and
and equitable agricultural sector for all.

Recommendation

To achieve a fairer market, government should consider implementing policie
policies that support domestic producers, such as restoring pork tariffs to
to their original levels. Additionally, promoting transparency in the suppl
supply chain and ensuring fair prices for farmers will help ensure a more s
sustainable agricultural sector.

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Keywords Agri, Pork Prices, Liempo, Sinag, Farmgate, Supply Chain, Tariffs

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.