Prices of Philippine farmgate hogs went up slightly as the holiday season have perked up demand.
Hog farmers were glad to see prices go up although it was not as high in the 2010 levels wherein average price reached PHP120 per kilo.
Market watchers believe that prices may not see an improvement until the end of 2011 due to numerous problems plaguing the industry such as high feed prices and influx of cheaper imports.
Meanwhile, pork producers have called for a "revolution" that would give farmers more control in the distribution area.
Edwin Chen, president of the Pork Producers Association of the Philippines said it is about time to "change the game" and farmers need to be involved in the downstream markets to ensure profits despite lower prices of pork.
Chen said the industry is losing at least PHP1 billion a month from declining farmgate hog prices. At present, farmgate prices are pegged at PHP80, much lower than the PHP115 few months ago.
Chen said the group is planning to implement measures to improve production and abate the onslaught of imports that is killing the industry. It has been reported that numerous backyard farmers are already closing down due to losses.