Philippines’ Department of Agriculture Addresses Poultry Price Surge Through Ongoing Sector Dialogue

MANILA — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has confirmed its ongoing dialogue with the poultry industry as chicken prices in Metro Manila soar, reaching as high as PHP 250 per kilogram.

According to Philippines News Agency, the department is committed to offering support and interventions to poultry raisers grappling with challenges such as high production costs, the importation of feed additives, and the impacts of avian influenza. These factors have significantly influenced the current supply and price instability in the market. Savellano emphasized the importance of continual communication with producers to identify and implement effective support programs aimed at stabilizing the sector.

From October 2023 to April 2024, the average farm gate price of chicken fell to between PHP 91.47 and PHP 101.32 per kilogram, as reported by the United Broiler Raisers Association (UBRA). Despite these lower prices at the farm gate, retail prices have spiked, prompting the DA to investigate and address the disparities. Savellano suggested that the sharp rise to PHP 250 per kilogram might be temporary and advised consumers that prices might stabilize soon, with potentially cheaper options becoming available in supermarkets.

UBRA President Jose Gerardo Feliciano argued that the current retail price of PHP 250 per kilogram is unjustifiable, given the typical markup of PHP 70 to PHP 75 over the farm gate price. If the farm gate price is PHP 150, the reasonable retail price should range from PHP 220 to PHP 230. He highlighted that there are no supply issues per se but rather problems with the sizes of the poultry being brought to market. Feliciano expressed optimism that retail prices would normalize by the end of August as producers are expected to ramp up production.