The Department of Agriculture (DA) has set a minimum farmgate price of P210 per kilo for live hogs, after producers warned that plunging prices were pushing them to heavy losses.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said Tuesday that the move responds to concerns from local producers under the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG), National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc., and Pork Producers Federation of the Philippines.

The group reported that farmgate prices had dropped to just P150 to P180 per kilo — barely enough to cover costs for backyard and commercial raisers.

Restoring pork import tariff to 40%

To further support local raisers, the DA and industry groups will recommend restoring the pork import tariff to 40 percent from the current 25 percent under Executive Order 62.

“Farmgate prices have fallen sharply, yet consumers haven’t felt any relief. During my market visits, I’ve seen liempo still selling for around P400 a kilo,” Tiu Laurel said.

Local market overwhelmed by imported pork

The Agriculture chief also noted that the reduced import tariffs triggered an influx of imported pork, which has overwhelmed the local market, driven down farmgate prices, and placed food security and farmers’ incomes at risk.

Meanwhile, SINAG executive director Jayson Cainglet said the situation of local hog raisers mirrors that of rice farmers, who are also struggling with excessive imports.

“We thank the DA for heeding the call of the local hog industry to revert pork tariffs to its original rate,” Cainglet added.

The DA also plans to bring back a suggested retail price for pork to balance producer profits and consumer protection.

It will issue an order reclassifying pork jowls, currently treated as offal, so they can be taxed at a higher rate amid growing demand from meat processors and Korean barbecue outlets.