Pork prices up due to increase in production cost, group says

The Pork Producers Federation of the Philippines Inc. (PPFP) has cited the increase in farm inputs and production costs for the rising pork prices observed in the markets.

Interviewed on Dobol B sa G TV on Saturday, PPFP president Rolando Tambago said the farm-gate price of pork has increased to an average of P210 per kilo.

“The farm-gate price increased because the costs of farm inputs rose,” Tambago said in Filipino.

The PPFP chief also pointed out the “gap” amounting to about P120 between farm-gate and retail price of pork in the markets due to transportation or logistics costs.

“The government should focus on finding a solution in addressing the gap,” he said.

Tambago said rising logistics and doing business costs add on about P120 to P150 per kilo to the farm-gate price.

“The government should look into the gap between farms and retailers,” he said, noting that there is no manipulation of pork prices since hog raisers are scattered all over the Philippines.

“Logistics and inputs are the problem, that's why the price of pork is higher,” he said. —Ted Cordero/ VAL GMA Integrated News