ASF impact on hog industry minimal, but meat processors affected the most —DTI

The African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak will not have a significant impact on the hog industry, but meat processors are going to take a hit especially in the coming months, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Monday.

“May epekto ‘yan kung growth, kasi nagka-cutback ‘yung production nila —mga meat processors—sa hamon specifically,” Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez told GMA News Online on the sidelines of the Go Negosyo Sign Up Summit 2019 in Pasay City.

The ASF outbreaks were confirmed by the Agriculture department in Bulacan and Rizal based on tests conducted overseas.

The Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc. (PAMPI) expected the P300-billion industry could shrink by about 5% to 10% due to ASF fears.

Lopez noted ASF outbreaks remain limited in the certain areas, and pork products are safe for human consumption provided the meat have the necessary government permits.

“Confident tayo na ‘wag lang mapanic na magto-total ban, I think we’re okay. We’re managing it on the agriculture side in terms of big production, and also ‘yung ating mga legitimate meat processors, ‘yun na lang muna tangkilikin nila,” he said.

“Doon natin i-e-encourage muna sila sa mga panahon ngayon, pero sa palengke nakita na namin na may certification ‘yung mga nakabentang baboy doon. Every day may mga bagong certification ‘yun, kaya ‘yun ang puntahan nila,” Lopez added.

In terms of economic growth, the Trade secretary said the ASF outbreak is not going to have a big impact as long as the government is able to contain it.

“I think hindi siya masyadong tatama, basta ma-contain ng DA at hindi lumala,” he added. —VDS, GMA News