DA defers pork price cap for two weeks amid consultations

The Department of Agriculture (DA) will not impose a maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for pork for the next two weeks, allowing for further consultations with industry stakeholders.

During a dialogue, meat producers, traders, and retailers agreed with DA officials to review their respective cost structures to help lower retail pork prices.

DA spokesperson Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa stated that the MSRP is off the table for the next two weeks, with the goal of lowering retail prices without its imposition.

One cost component being reviewed is the fee charged by 'viajeros' or traders, estimated to add P80 per kilogram to the retail price of pork.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. affirmed that high pork prices are considered a short-term problem that needs to be resolved soon.

The DA convened the meeting to identify factors contributing to high pork prices and decide on the potential implementation of an MSRP.