JANUARY 2024

BusinessWorld

The extension of reduced tariffs on rice and other key agricultural commodities will help cushion the inflationary impact of the El Niño weather phenomenon, analysts said. “This will ensure stable, if not lower, prices for these products, particularly during the El Niño next year which will hit our agriculture sector. This move is most welcome,” former Agriculture Undersecretary Fermin D. Adriano said in a Viber message.

BusinessWorld

The feed industry is seeking more government support to get through the expected decline in the domestic supply of feed inputs next year, according to the Philippine Association of Feed Millers, Inc. (PAFMI). PAFMI President Edwin C. Mapanao said that the industry is growing but faces challenges like a lack of competitive inputs, animal disease management, and excessive imports of finished meats. He added that feed millers are currently facing sourcing challenges.

BusinessWorld

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) is warning that more testing of African swine fever vaccines is needed, triggered by Vietnam’s plans to export doses in coming months to fight a disease that regularly ravages pig farms worldwide.

BusinessWorld

Farmers said the dairy industry requires a breeding program and technical upgrades to service growing demand, which is currently overwhelmingly met by imports. The Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food, Inc. (PCAFI) said “there is an urgent need to fund a comprehensive breeding program and hiring of technical personnel and support imports of high-quality parent stock to build up the herd.” The Philippines currently imports about 99% of its dairy requirements.

BusinessWorld

The government needs to issue more long-term permits for aquaculture to meet growing demand and as the rest of the industry observes sustainable practices like closed fishing seasons, a fisheries advocate said.
“One of the ways to boost fisheries production is to give permits to those who would like to raise fish long term,” Asis G. Perez, co-convenor of Tugon Kabuhayan said by telephone.