Gov’t sees better prospects for livestock industry

The Agriculture department expects bright prospects for the livestock industry this year and beyond, given its export potential, rising local demand and the entry of new players. Agriculture Secretary Bernie Fondevilla cited the potential of exporting hogs and pork products to other Asian economies, and Halal goat, chevon meat and processed products to Middle Eastern countries and other Islamic states. He said local demand for semi-processed and processed beef, pork and chicken was also growing as a result of increasing population, as well as the growing number of local and foreign tourists in highly urbanized areas. Fondevilla likewise cited the growing number of hotels, restaurants and other commercial institutions in Metro Manila and other major cities nationwide. Fondevilla said San Miguel Foods, Inc. likewise intensifying its export of chicken meat and semi-processed poultry products, while Universal Robina Corp. has entered the retail market for broiler chicken through its Super Saver brand sold in Robinsons supermarkets. "There is also an opportunity for the government in the national and local levels to develop more demand-driven rather than supply-driven comprehensive livestock programs for the entire animal industry that are interlinked with each other — from input supply to production, to processing, to marketing and consumption of livestock and poultry meat and meat products," he added. — NPA, GMANews.TV