The Ultimate Guide to Pork Price Levels Set by Month's End This blog post appears to be an informative article about the current state of pork prices in the Philippines, including discussions of possible price controls, industry trends, and related news. The article mentions the Department of Agriculture (DA) and its efforts to study the value chain of pork and potentially implement a maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) to curb profiteering.

The Ultimate Guide to Pork Price Levels Set by Month's End

As we wrap up the first month of 2023, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.'s announcement has generated significant interest in the pork industry. With prices consistently high, ranging from P480 per kilogram for belly or liempo to P420 for leg or pigue, many are wondering if a maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) might be implemented to curb profiteering.

A Study Underway

Tiu Laurel has revealed that the Department of Agriculture (DA) is currently studying the value chain of pork to determine whether there is indeed profiteering. The study, set to conclude by the end of February, will provide industry stakeholders with a clearer understanding of what to expect.

MSRP A Potential Solution?

If the DA identifies profiteering in the pork industry, an MSRP might be implemented to regulate prices. This move would aim to ensure fair and reasonable pricing for consumers while allowing producers to maintain a decent profit margin. Tiu Laurel emphasized that the goal is not to cap prices but rather to promote a balance between supply and demand.

Agricultural Product Prices Under Review

The DA's review of agricultural product prices extends beyond pork, including eggs, which President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has taken particular interest in. The president has directed the DA to scrutinize price levels for various agricultural products to ensure they are reasonable and reflective of market conditions.

Pork Price Trends

Frozen pork liempo and pork shoulder or kasim have lower prices, ranging from P280 to P350 per kilogram and P230 to P280 per kilo, respectively. The high prices for fresh pork (around P480 per kilogram) may be attributed to the impact of African swine fever (ASF) and increased demand during holiday seasons.

Reasonable Pricing

Tiu Laurel believes that prices above P400 are unreasonable. He is still studying the pricing dynamics to ensure that profit margins are reasonable at every stage of the value chain, aiming to strike a balance between fair pricing for consumers and profitability for producers.

Sufficient Supply in the Market

Despite high prices, Tiu Laurel assured that there is a sufficient supply of pork in the market, reassuring consumers that they will have access to their favorite meat products.

Smuggling A Growing Concern

In related news, four companies have been charged with alleged involvement in smuggling agricultural products. These firms are among the 10 blacklisted by the DA for illegal activities. The Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) also blacklisted 10 importers last December for allegedly bringing in vegetables, fruits, and other food products without proper clearances.

The Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage (AGES) Act

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed Republic Act 12022, the AGES Act, which classifies smuggling, hoarding, and cartel operations involving agricultural products as economic sabotage. This law aims to curb illegal activities in the agricultural sector, imposing penalties of life imprisonment and fines up to five times the value of the products involved.

Conclusion

As we await the conclusion of the DA's study on pork prices, it is essential to recognize the importance of fair pricing and reasonable profit margins for both consumers and producers. The review of agricultural product prices will help ensure that markets are functioning efficiently and that consumers have access to a wide range of quality products.

Stay informed about this topic and other developments in the world of agriculture, aquaponics, and hagiography!

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.