DA in continuous talks with poultry sector amid retail price spikes

MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday assured that it is in continuous talks with the poultry sector amid spiking market prices.

This came after the price per kg. of chicken in Metro Manila hit as high as P250, with the lowest at P190, according to the DA-Bantay Presyo.

In an ambush interview, DA Undersecretary Deogracias Victor Savellano pledged to provide interventions to raisers affected by various challenges in the country, such as the high cost of production, importation of feed additives, and the effects of avian influenza, which consequently contributed to the current supply situation.

"Kami continuous ang dialogue namin at tinatanong namin ano mga gusto nilang programa para maitulong namin para maka-rebound sila para matulungan naman at di sila madismaya (We have continuous dialogue with them and we are asking them what programs they want for us to help them rebound, so we can help them and so they would not be dismayed)," he said, noting that some producers were discouraged due to the reported oversupply since last year.

From October 2023 to April 2024, the average farm gate prices of chicken have dropped to a low range of P91.47 per kg. to P101.32 per kg., according to the United Broiler Raisers Association (UBRA).

"May pagtulong sa kanila in terms of additional funds na gagamitin nila, especially sa mga coops (There is aid for them in terms of additional funds they can use, especially cooperatives)," he added.

He, however, said that the P250 per kg. level may not last long and the public may access cheaper chicken or other meat options in supermarkets.

"Siguro saglit lang, kaya nga kailangan naming bumaba, makita at pag-aralan namin kung ano iyong nagko-cause nito (Maybe this is just for a while, that's why we need to go on the ground to see and assess what is causing this)," Savellano said.

UBRA president Jose Gerardo Feliciano, meanwhile, said the P250 per kg. level is not reasonable, considering a P70 to P75 average markup from the farmgate price.

Assuming that the farm gate price per kg. is P150, then the market retail price would be P220 to P230, he said.

To date, the average farm gate price per kg. of chicken is set at P137, higher than June's P125.57 and P118.75 for the same month in 2023.

"Iyong iba kasi (The problem with some), they try to take advantage ng (of the) supply situation," Feliciano said, citing no issue on supply but in sizes.

He also expressed hope that retail prices would be tamed by the end of August as raisers may increase production. (PNA)