“`html<\/p>\n
The Department of Agriculture (DA) stated that the Philippine branch of Thailand\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The feed facilities are anticipated to produce around 10,000 tons monthly, necessitating the yield from roughly 5,000 hectares of corn.<\/p>\n
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).<\/p>\n
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. encouraged CPF to contemplate placing some facilities near key tourist destinations to alleviate food expenses.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis CPF expansion complements President Marcos Jr.\u2019s vision of a zero-kilometer food system \u2014 generating food where it\u2019s essential \u2014 and promoting agricultural investment to create employment and ensure food security,\u201d Mr. Laurel was quoted as saying in a declaration.<\/p>\n
Since the initial ASF outbreak in 2019, the swine population has decreased from 13 million to about 8 million head.<\/p>\n