DA plans direct pork sales to retailers this year

On Wednesday, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. outlined initial plans to include FTI and PPI in this year's pork minimum access volume (MAV) allocation.

Tiu Laurel said the Department of Agriculture (DA) is eyeing to buy pork from producers and sell it directly to retailers to avoid any 'layering' as pork prices have surged, with plans to release MAV allocations before the end of February.

MITA expressed concern over proposed amendments that only processors would be eligible for MAV quotas, arguing this could deprive small processors of access to affordable pork and render them uncompetitive.

The group also noted last year's full pork quota was released in September, which they believe did not benefit consumers or the economy, urging DA to declare MAV plus for pork and chicken when appropriate.

Despite these concerns, stakeholders like Chris Nelson from the British Chamber of Commerce welcomed the expected issuance of MAV allocation, emphasizing the need for a smooth supply flow to maintain market stability.