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The Department of Agriculture (DA) stated that the Philippine branch of Thailand’s Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF) intends to establish agro-industrial complexes for $1 billion, aimed at reinstating the hog sector to pre-African Swine Fever (ASF) standards by 2028.
In a declaration, the DA mentioned that CPF is assessing nine locations for agro-industrial complexes, each spanning approximately 20 hectares. The proposed complexes, which will include feed manufacturing and hog processing facilities, are projected to cost $125 million apiece to construct.
The feed facilities are anticipated to produce around 10,000 tons monthly, necessitating the yield from roughly 5,000 hectares of corn.
CPF has stated its goal of increasing its hog production capacity from 1.3 million to 7 million head by 2030. More than half of the production will occur in Luzon (4.8 million head), while the remaining will be in Mindanao (1.2 million) and Visayas (1 million).
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. encouraged CPF to contemplate placing some facilities near key tourist destinations to alleviate food expenses.
“This CPF expansion complements President Marcos Jr.’s vision of a zero-kilometer food system — generating food where it’s essential — and promoting agricultural investment to create employment and ensure food security,” Mr. Laurel was quoted as saying in a declaration.
Since the initial ASF outbreak in 2019, the swine population has decreased from 13 million to about 8 million head.
Recently, Mr. Marcos signed the Animal Industry Development and Competitiveness Act, which designates approximately P20 billion annually over the next ten years to enhance the livestock, poultry, and dairy sectors, with nearly one-fifth of the funding earmarked for hog repopulation. — Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel
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