DA revives data group to stabilize meat, poultry market

Banking on data-driven decisions to stabilize the country’s meat and poultry supply, the Department of Agriculture has revived the Inter-Agency Livestock Data Analytics Group (LDAG).

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. confirmed on Monday the issuance of Special Order 599 reconstituting the LDAG to address price volatility and supply disruptions. Under the new structure, Undersecretary for Livestock Dante Palabrica will serve as chairman.

“We need up-to-date data on market trends and behavior to ensure that the policies we formulate and the actions we take to safeguard and promote the growth of the industry—even as we protect consumers,” Tiu Laurel said.

“The market is dynamic, hence the need for better and more reliable information for accurate forecasts and timely decisions.”

The LDAG is tasked with streamlining the collection, analysis, and reporting of key data on livestock and poultry. It will coordinate with the Philippine Statistics Authority and work with other agencies to gather information on production, inventories, farmgate prices, cold storage levels, and production costs.

The group will produce regular supply and demand outlooks, trend analyses, and reports such as the Livestock and Poultry Situationer to help guide DA policies on pork, chicken, egg, and dairy sectors.

Additionally, it will hold consultations with industry stakeholders to validate data and ensure government action aligns with market conditions.