DA studies MSRP for pork due to high NCR prices

Pork prices in the National Capital Region (NCR) have reached as high as P480 per kilo, prompting farmers and the Department of Agriculture to call for a maximum suggested retail price.

The Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura said that pork belly ranges from P380 to P480 per kilo and pork ham or kasim ranges from P340 to P420 per kilo, which is too high compared to the farmgate price of P220 to P240.

Farmers argue that prices in provinces are within acceptable limits, with pork belly priced at P380 to P400 and kasim at P350 to P360.

The Department of Agriculture is currently studying the implementation of a maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for pork, similar to imported rice, due to excessive pricing in Metro Manila.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. acknowledged the issue and said he would look into the value chain to understand where margins are being added, indicating potential action on setting a retail price.