The Cebu provincial government is exploring measures to support local hog raisers facing significant industry challenges. Among the proposed interventions are a recommended farmgate price, a subsidy for animal feeds, and an ordinance to protect the province's hog industry long-term. These steps follow a meeting between Governor Pamela Baricuatro and hog raisers, who highlighted issues like high feed costs, inflation, rising fuel prices, competition from imported pork, and traders exploiting African Swine Fever (ASF) fears to negotiate lower prices.
Dr. Mary Rose Vincoy, head of the Cebu Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO), noted that the rising cost of basic commodities and fuel has reduced consumers' purchasing power while increasing expenses for hog producers. The cost of animal feed has also been affected by the prices of imported raw materials like corn and soybeans. Additionally, the volume of imported pork products competing with locally produced meat is adding pressure on local producers.
Vincoy cited reports of traders using ASF concerns to negotiate lower farmgate prices, even in areas where hog raisers were willing to sell at higher rates. For example, in Madridejos, a buyer from Cebu City reportedly offered lower prices after raising ASF concerns, bringing the buying price down to between P105 and P120 per kilo. Despite these challenges, Cebu has a 134-percent sufficiency level in pork production, according to data from the Department of Agriculture (DA)-Central Visayas.
Board Member Lakambini 'Neneth' Reluya asked what protection the provincial government could provide to local hog raisers, while Board Member Celestino 'Tining' Martinez questioned why imported pork could compete with locally produced meat despite added transportation costs. Vincoy said the provincial government is encouraging Cebuano lechoneros to patronize locally raised hogs but acknowledged some businesses may have longstanding supply agreements with partners outside the province.
The PVO is preparing a position paper for the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to address the disparity between farmgate and retail prices. Vincoy noted that some hog raisers sell their livestock at prices ranging from P110 to P250 per kilo, while pork products in the market range from P350 to P400 per kilo. The provincial government is seeking discussions between the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Agriculture to address the price disparity and carry out their respective mandates.