W2: Weekly Pork Update

Global

World Pig Meat Prices up in December (Jan 11)

The FAO Meat Price Index averaged 113.8 points in December, down 1.4 points (1.2%) from November, marking the sixth consecutive monthly decline, but remained 2.8 points (2.5%) above its year-earlier level. The decrease in the index in December was driven by lower world prices of bovine and poultry meats, partially counterbalanced by higher pig and ovine meat prices. International prices of bovine meat fell, pressured by a higher supply of slaughter cattle in several large producing countries and lackluster global demand for medium-term supplies. By contrast, world pig meat prices increased, underpinned by solid, pre-Christmas internal demand, especially in Europe, whereas ovine meat prices rose due to currency movements.

The Pig Will Continue in 2023 at the Forefront, in Meat Production (Jan 11)

At the end of 2023, the meat with the highest processing would be pork, accumulating 110.9M MT., after an increase of 1% over the forecast for 2022, a result favored by a good performance in China. It is expected that in this period, Chinese pig farming will remain the main contributor with 52M MT, exceeding the estimate for the year that just ended by 2%. In second place would be the European Union, although here the potential would fall slightly by 0.3%, with 22.5M MT.

Global Pork Production Revised up 3% (Jan 13)

According to a recent USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) report, global pork production for 2023 is revised up 3% from the October forecast to 114.0M MT on higher output in China. Pork demand is expected to strengthen in China due to recently lifted COVID-19 restrictions. Production forecasts remain largely unchanged for other countries. Global pork exports for 2023 are forecasted 2% higher from the October forecast to 10.7M MT as EU, Brazil, and US exports are up on stronger than anticipated demand from key Asia markets. 

Europe

Significantly Less ASF in Europe in 2022 (Jan 10)

According to data from the Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI) based on the European Animal Disease Notification System (ADNS), in 2022 a total of 7.76K were detected in the European Union, as well as in Serbia, Moldova, North Macedonia and Ukraine cases and outbreaks related to the ASF virus. This is 6,215, 44.5% less than in the previous year. The number of infections in the domestic pig population decreased by 71.3% and up to 533 farms. In wild boar, there was a decrease in the number of cases by 40.4% to 7,227. However, the fact that this animal disease has reappeared in three countries, Italy, the Czech Republic and North Macedonia, must be assessed negatively. A total of 15 European countries have been affected by ASF. Poland records the highest number of cases in wild boar. Again, most cases of ASF were reported from Poland (2108). However, this is more than a third less than in 2021.

How Is the Pork Market in the EU? (Jan 12)

The situation of the live pig market in the EU, at the beginning of 2023, remains fluid as a result of the general drop in production and the favorable situation of the end of the year holidays. The situation is very different in the meat markets, with a lethargic demand due to high inflation and the lack of dynamism in exports. Slaughterhouses in the Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark had reacted the previous week, lowering their prices by 5 cts. In Germany , the last census has shown fewer effectives. The last week of the year saw strong activity and the surpluses at the beginning of 2023 were small compared to previous years. In Denmark, the price forecast for week 2 fell again by USD 3.26 (3 euro cents) due to lower exports to third countries. In France , the promotional operations at the beginning of the year have supported the demand. Good fluidity in farms due to the drop in production. The price has gone up 5 ct. Slaughter in the West area of ​​Uniporc amounted to 389,794 pigs against 407,148 pigs slaughtered last year, representing a reduction of 4.3%.

EU Pig Prices Show Recovery (Jan 12)

EU deadweight pig prices for December (five weeks ending 1 January) averaged 177.54p/kg. This was an increase of 3.1% (5.35p/kg) on prices seen in November (four-week period ending 27 November). Within this overall uplift there was price variability across the key producing regions. Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark reported increased prices, while France and Spain reported a softening of prices. Germany saw the largest price increase during the five-week period, up an average of 7.7p/kg (4.4%). In comparison, France saw the largest decline, down an average of 4.0p (2.3%). Continental prices continued to remain below UK prices during the five-week period, with UK pigs averaging 25.36p/kg more than the average EU-27 price. The EU medium term outlook is anticipating the pig meat prices will remain contained after the price spikes seen in 2022. 

Spain

The Average Price of Pigs in Spain in 2022 (Jan 9)

The 52 weeks of 2022 left behind an average pig price in Mercolleida of USD 1.64/kg/live (1.515 euros) this year, which represents an increase of +20.9% compared to 2021 (+26.2 cents, in absolute numbers ). Compared with previous references, the 2022 average was +19.5% (+24.7 cents) higher than the 2017/21 average and +22.0% (+27.3 cents) higher than the 2012 average, 2016. It was the highest average in history, according to the analysis carried out by the Mercolleida pork services.

Spain Could Reduce Its Pig Production in 2023, the First Time in 10 Years (Jan 10)

In 2023, Spanish pig production could be reduced, at least during the first quarter of the year. This is predicted by experts from the French Institute for Pig Production (Ifip), who point to a drop of 3% in the first six months of the year. The reasons for this decline could be found in a limited expansion of the census due to the fact that exports to third countries have remained stable and the high temperatures (spring and summer of 2022), which have reduced the weights of the animals. It would be the first reduction in 10 years, since Spanish production has not stopped rising since 2013. However, if this decrease occurs, it would be temporary, since Spain has the potential to continue growing, pointed out Ifip. 

Organizations Ask to Stop Pork Imports Due to the Increase in Fear of the Arrival of Swine Fever (Jan 15)

The main Spanish pork meat organizations have asked their associates to take maximum precautions to prevent the entry of African swine fever (ASF) into Spain, after years spreading through European countries. Specifically, the Inter-professional del Porcino de Capa Blanca (Interporc) requests that pork imports of both live animals and meat products from areas affected by the disease be reduced “and even stopped”. In a poster sent and sent jointly with the National Association of Meat Industries of Spain (Anice) to its associates this January, Interporc states that the entry of meat products from countries with the presence of the disease "is difficult to control, especially in house killings, as happens in Eastern countries.

United States

November Pork Exports Break 2022 Records (Jan 9)

US meat exports reached new records in 2022, including November pork exports, which reached new heights in both volume and value, according to data released by the US Department of Agriculture and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF). During November, pork exports reached 245.66K MT, up 3% from last year, and export value scaled 10% to USD 725.1M. Both volume and value were the highest seen since May 2021. Specifically, pork exports to Mexico and the Dominican Republic were record highs, with shipments to Mexico exceeding USD 200M for the second consecutive month. Pork exports to the Dominican Republic had already set annual records in October, and demand further intensified in November. Shipments reached a record 10.23K MT in November, up 70% from a year ago and up notably from the previous high of 8.97K MT in April. While off to a slow start in 2022, pork exports to China/Hong Kong regained momentum in the second half of the year. During November, exports increased 39% from a year ago to 54.41K MT and jumped 40% in value to USD 140.3M.

Nasty Week for Hogs in the US (Jan 9)

In W1, it seemed the hog market had a holiday hangover. Shorter weeks of slaughter rarely seem to work for producers. 2023 was no exception. Lean Hog futures and cash prices all languished significantly. There was an expectation that as the dust settles and business returns to full week both lean hog futures and cash prices will rebound because there are still fewer hogs domestically and globally. Also, less beef and less poultry. The only way to ration lower supply is higher prices.

US Pork Exports to Dominican Republic Soar to Record Levels (Jan 11)

The US has long been the dominant supplier of pork to the Dominican Republic, competing primarily with domestically raised pork. Exports have increased steadily since the DR implemented the Central America-DR-U.S. Free Trade Agreement in 2007, putting US pork on course to enter the market at zero duty. In 2006, the last year in which US pork was subject to the DR's 25% most-favored-nation tariff rate, its exports were just over 4K MT, valued at USD 6.6M. By 2010, exports more than quadrupled in volume and reached USD 38M in value. In 2020, shipments reached nearly 40K MT valued at more than USD 90M. While the COVID pandemic was a significant setback for the DR's foodservice and hospitality industries, the situation paved the way for increased opportunities for US pork in the country's rapidly expanding retail sector and opened new avenues for communicating the attributes of US pork directly to Dominican consumers. 

Live Hog Futures in US (Jan 11)

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) quoted the pork cutout at USD 81.73 per cwt on Jan 10, down USD 0.62 (62 cents) from the prior day and the tenth decline in 11 sessions. It was also the lowest pork cutout since Jan. 11, 2022. The average pork packer margin on Jan 10 fell to an estimated USD 4.65/head, down from USD 15.00 a week ago, according to marketing advisory service HedgersEdge.com. CME February lean hogs ended USD 0.01 (1.000 cent) lower at USD 1,759.29/MT (79.800 cents/pound) after slumping during the session to the lowest point since Oct. 5.

Train Wreck in Lean Hog Futures in US (Jan 13)

The lean hog futures market continued to careen lower in W2, with prices hitting a three-month low. Bears are in firm command, to suggest more downside pressure in the futures market in the near term. Meanwhile, Cash hog fundamentals continued to weaken in W2. The latest CME lean hog index was down USD 0.48 (48 cents) to USD 75.96 (as of Jan. 10), extending its seasonal price slide. Until cash hog market fundamentals appear to post seasonal lows and start to strengthen, there will be additional downside risk in lean hog futures. 

Germany

Pig Prices Remain Stagnant (Jan 12)

The Jan 11 session once again ended with the result of USD 2.16/kg (EUR 2.00) of fattening pig with a meat content of 57% (equivalent to our E-class). On the domestic market, pig prices at the beginning of the week amounted to USD 2.15/kg (PLN 9.31) of E-class pig. This means that for the first time in many weeks the Polish price fell below the German price. Unfortunately, it seems that the stagnation of fatteners in Germany may bring further corrections on the Polish market, purchases are explained by the falling demand for meat and pork products in the post-Christmas period.

Netherlands

Weaners’ Exports Decline (Jan 11)

According to preliminary data from the Dutch Enterprise Agency (RVO), a total of around 6.99M pigs were weaned in other Member States in 2022; it was 503.6K animals, which was 6.7% less than in the previous year. In 2021, an even greater decrease in exports was recorded, by 15.7%.The reduction of sow herds in the Netherlands, as well as high feed prices and economic losses to EU pig farmers for much of last year, are likely to have caused the recent decline. Exports of weaners to Germany fell by 17%. The clearly declining export of weaners was decisive for the lower sales results. Compared to 2021, the number of animals delivered within the EU decreased by 570.5K units, 9.1%, to 5.69M. With almost 2.95M weaners delivered, Germany remained the main customer of the Dutch, but deliveries to Germany fell by 61910K units, 17.4%.

Pig for Tomorrow Has Become Pig of Yesterday (Jan 12)

The program consists of the pillars animal welfare, animal health and the environment. In 2015 this was a very good initiative, but in 2023 the quality label has been overtaken by various other quality marks, in particular by the Beter Leven Keurmerk. This means that, according to the POV, the initiative as a quality label no longer has any added value. The Add On 'Sustainable Pork for Dutch retail' in Global Gap has expired on January 1, 2023. This means that formally the regulation no longer exists and pig farmers and slaughterhouses can no longer be audited for it. In addition to the lack of added value, the formal basis is now also gone. This means Pig for Tomorrow has become Pig of Yesterday.

Netherland’s Evolution of Piglet Exports (Jan 13)

Dutch exports of piglets last year were less than 6M head, exactly 5.69M piglets were exported, which means a decrease of 9% compared to the previous year (6.26M piglets). The main destinations continued to be Germany with 2.95M piglets, Spain with 1.68M piglets and Belgium-Luxembourg with 642K piglets, although with very different trends. Although exports to Germany have suffered decreases since 2018 with significant values for 2021 and 2022 (-15.7% and -17.4%, respectively), as well as to Belgium (-13.6% and -16.2 %), piglets destined for Spain have been increasing, although at different rates. The big leap came in 2018 when it almost tripled its imports compared to the previous year (about 300K piglets in 2017 compared to 957K in 2018) to continue to increase, but in smaller percentages (+20% in 2020, +22% in 2021 and +9% in 2022).

Brazil

Brazilian Pork Exports Fall In 2022 Despite Reaction in December (Jan 9)

Total pork exports, including fresh and processed products, reached 1.12M MT in 2022, down 1.4% YoY, despite a reaction in shipments to China in December, said the Brazilian Association of Animal Protein (ABPA). In revenue, the retreat was 2.6% to USD 2.572B, according to the data. After negative performances mainly in the first half, motivated by the reduction in the appetite for purchases from the main destination of Brazilian protein, China, shipments reacted at the end of last year. According to ABPA, foreign sales of pork from Brazil totaled 102.8K MT in December, a volume 14.6% higher than that registered a year earlier, with revenue 32.5% higher.

Brazilian Pork Performance (Jan 11)

Brazilian pork had the worst performance among the three exporters (beef, chicken and pork), as it was the only one to register a price reduction. The highest appreciation, in this case, was that of the European product (+19.65%), while the North American product appreciated just over 4%.

Pig Production Cost in Brazil Ends 2022 (Jan 12)

The year 2022 ended with the cost of production per kilogram of live pigs reaching USD 1.58 (BRL 8.07). This is the highest value ever registered by Embrapa Suínos e Aves in its Poultry and Pork Intelligence Center (CIAS). Production costs reflect both technical productivity coefficients and market prices of inputs and production factors and, in the case of pigs, are calculated based on a complete cycle system in Santa Catarina, the state used as a national reference. This also made the Pork Production Cost Index, the ICPSuíno, reach a new record score of 461.90 points.

Brazilian Pork Exports Exceed 100K MT in December (Jan 12)

The Brazilian Association of Animal Protein (ABPA) informed that Brazilian pork exports (considering all products, between fresh and processed) totaled 102.8K MT in December, volume 14.6% higher than that registered in the twelfth month of 2021, with 89.7K MT. In revenue, the increase reached 32.5%, with USD 253.8M in December last year, compared to USD 191.5M in 2021. With the performance recorded in December, total exports for 2022 reached 1.120M MT, a volume 1.4% lower than that recorded in the same period of the previous year, with 1.137M MT. The total revenue generated last year reached USD 2.572B, a result 2.6% lower than that recorded in 2021, with USD 2.641B. In the survey by country, China (main destination) imported 53.5K MT in December, a volume 79.6% greater than that carried out in the same period of 2021, with 29.8K MT.

Low Demand for Pork Results in Falling Prices (Jan 12)

After the intense appreciation of live animals and pork in December 2022, pork prices in the independent market have been registering a sharp drop in the second week of January. The weakened domestic demand for pork has pressured live and protein prices in all regions monitored by Cepea. It is worth remembering that, historically, this period of the year has lower liquidity for pork, due to budget constraints for most of the population and school holidays. Thus, to avoid an increase in inventories, wholesalers negatively adjusted prices to improve product output.

Lower Exports and Higher Pig Supply Put Pressure on Prices in 2022 (Jan 12)

The national swine industry saw weakened foreign demand in 2022, while production in the first three quarters of the year was at a record high. In this scenario, the availability of pork on the domestic market grew considerably, putting pressure on the negotiation prices of the live animal and of the protein. On the foreign front, although the volume exported in August reached a monthly record of 114.6K MT of meat, shipments abroad from January to the partial December 2022 totaled 1.08M MT, 3.6% below the figure shipped in the same period in 2021, according to Secex data, compiled by Cepea. On the domestic front, the national demand for pork throughout 2022 was below what was expected by the industry, mainly due to the weakened purchasing power of the Brazilian population, in view of high inflation. 

Brazilian Swine Industry Expected to Grow in 2023 (Jan 13)

Even with the economic uncertainties permeating the world market in 2023, the Brazilian pork industry is expected to grow this year. According to Cepea researchers, the basis is possible increases in domestic and, especially, foreign demand. In Brazil, purchasing power tends to remain weakened, which increases domestic demand for pork, which is more competitive compared to other meats such as beef. Furthermore, industry strategies to invest in diversification and positioning of the pork product in the domestic market should be maintained in 2023, strengthening the demand for the protein. As for the foreign demand for Brazilian meat, the USDA estimates that national exports will increase by 2.7% and the Brazilian Association of Animal Protein (ABPA) estimates a 12% increase. This will depend on the industry's diversification of destinations and the consolidation of partnerships signed last year.

Brazilian Pork Prices and Exports Recover in December (Jan 13)

After retreating in November, Brazilian pork exports (considering in natura and industrialized products) registered a recovery movement in December, driven by the intensification of purchases from Asian countries, mainly from China. According to data from the Foreign Trade Secretariat (Secex), 101.10K MT of the protein was shipped in the last month of 2022, up 10.1% compared to November and still 14.7% higher than the volume exported in December from 2021. According to Secex, the revenue obtained also rose, amounting to USD 0.25B (R$ 1.3B) in December, 9.4% above that registered in November and an expressive 23% higher than that collected in the same month of 2021. As for the total amount collected in the year 2022, the national pork sector earned USD 2.57B (BRL 13.1B), 6.8% below the amount earned in 2021. In 2022, 1.10M MT of pork were shipped, an amount 1.7% less than that shipped in 2021. 

Chile

Chilean Meat Industry Exported 393K MT of Pork in 2022 (Jan 13)

The general scenario is particular, since global and national contingencies in 2022 presented numerous difficulties for the white meat industry and other sectors. Inflation, high commodity prices, political and social conflicts, and various diseases, all of which represented challenges with a direct and indirect impact on production costs, stability, and forecasts. In this scenario, the Chilean industry had to be resilient, facing various situations with a positive attitude despite adversity. When analyzing pork exports in detail, 2022 figures from Chilean Customs show that their drop was mainly due to global factors, which had a direct and indirect impact in both the Chilean and global pork industry growth. As recorded by Chilean Customs, the industry exported 393K MT of pork, a 12% reduction in volume compared to 2021, and a value above USD 646M, which represented a 20% reduction from 2021. 

United Kingdom

2022 UK Pork Imports Continue to Exceed 2021 Volumes (Jan 10)

Imports of pork to the UK were 12% up in the first 10 months of 2022, compared with the equivalent period in 2021. Pork imports in October totaled 67.70K MT, up 12% on September and 8% compared to October 2021. Fresh/frozen pork continues to hold the largest share of volume at 27.90K MT, however this was 5% lower than volumes seen for the category for the same month in 2021. Strong increases continued in the processed, sausage and bacon categories where volumes were up 44%, 23% and 11% respectively YoY. This brought YTD (Jan-Oct) import volumes to 667.60K MT, 12% up compared to 2021. 

Russia

Russia Has Increased Pork Meat Exports (Jan 10)

Russia has increased the export of pork, beef and poultry meat, head of the Rosselkhoznadzor Sergey Dankvert said. According to the head of the department, as of December 30, 2022, Russian suppliers exported 149K MT of pork; in 2021, 126K MT were delivered on the same date. Regarding the prospects for opening the Chinese market for the export of Russian pork, the head of the department noted that it is much more likely to start deliveries of finished products.

Italy

Sardinia in Italy Can Export Pigs and Pork Again (Jan 9)

Italy has been battling African swine fever (ASF) since the 1970s, which has become endemic on the Mediterranean island of Sardinia. For more than ten years, neither pigs nor pork have been allowed to leave the island. But from January it is again possible to export from part of the island. The efforts of the Italian authorities were rewarded. The European Commission has announced that the export of live animals and pork products from certain areas, without animal health restrictions, will be allowed again under the control of the competent authorities. 

China

Binzhou City Concentrates on Special Rectification of Private Slaughtering of Live Pigs (Jan 9)

Recently, the Binzhou Municipal Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs organized a special rectification of private slaughtering and indiscriminate slaughter of pigs to ensure the quality and safety of raw pork products. Strengthen daily supervision, clarify the responsibility for reporting illegal clues, and announce the reporting hotline to the public to mobilize the whole people to participate in the supervision. Second, use the annual collection to make extensive publicity, improve the public's self-protection awareness, and create a good social atmosphere. The third is to organize law enforcement personnel, in-depth Carried out inspections and inspections in rural areas to severely crack down on illegal acts of private slaughter and indiscriminate slaughter. Up to now, 3 dens of private slaughter and indiscriminate slaughter have been banned according to law, more than 40 slaughtering tools such as knives and hooks have been confiscated, 8 hair removal boilers have been destroyed, and harmless treatment and disinfection have been carried out.

Swine Industry Recovery in China Creates Opportunity (Jan 11)

Despite setbacks, China is determined to grow its swine industry after taking a massive hit from African swine fever (ASF) in 2018. This has created opportunities for international collaboration, according to a new report from the Iowa Economic Development Association (IEDA). Tony Wang, IEDA representative in Shanghai, China, said the road to recovery has been bumpy, especially as the country endures complications from COVID-19, the pig cycle, inflation, and other factors. Following the devastation caused by ASF, China’s pork imports went up significantly in 2019 through 2021. At its peak in 2020, Wang said the US accounted for roughly 14% of China’s pork imports. As China gradually rebuilds its swine herd, however, pork imports have dropped sharply.

The Coronavirus in China Is Affecting Pork Prices (Jan 12)

Since December 2022, the Chinese pork market has seen a WoW decline in pork prices. This is despite the fact that December and January are traditionally the best months for the industry each year. The decreases are due to the SARS Cov-2 epidemic in China, and more precisely its uncontrolled progress due to the lifting of the restrictions of the "zero Covid" policy. Despite the apparent crisis in pork, the Chinese government did not activate the intervention mechanism, despite having done so many times before with much lower price drops. According to the monitoring data on pork prices conducted by the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs in the first week of January 2023, the average weekly wholesale price in China for 1 kg of lean pork amounted to USD 2.97/kg (CNY 20.06), which in MoM terms, it is down 12.9%. The Chinese ministry described the decline as "sharp".

China Beef and Pork Imports Revised up for 2023 (Jan 13)

According to a recent USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) report, despite the challenges of the current wave of COVID-19 infections in China, import forecasts of beef and pork for 2023 are revised up and are now forecasted higher YoY. Despite an upward revision for China pork production in 2023 from the October forecast, domestic supplies are virtually unchanged YoY and are unlikely to fully meet rebounding consumption. 

Thailand

The Smuggled Pork Disposal Is the Largest in Thai History (Jan 12)

The biggest disposal of smuggled pork in Thai history took place on Jan 12, authorities said, as 723.78K MT of the meat were dumped into a landfill in Phetchaburi province by officials from the Ministry of Agriculture. Chalermchai said the pork and offal had been seized by authorities after being smuggled or imported illegally into Thailand. The smuggled pork is a danger to consumers and farmers, the minister said. Because it is not inspected, the meat can carry diseases, while its cheaper price can depress the income of farmers. 

Paraguay

Pork Shipments in Paraguay Fell Sharply in the Last Year, but They Expect Rebounds in 2023 (Jan 12)

2022 was a difficult year for the export of Paraguayan pork, where international shipments suffered significant drops due to the international situation of low prices and high costs of maritime freight. However, for this 2023 the expectations are placed on the openings to new markets that could mark a more auspicious scenario and with better results for the entire sector. The latest report from the National Animal Health and Quality Service (Senacsa) reveals that from January to December of last year, shipments closed with a total of 1,184.2MT of national pork, which generated an income of USD 2.8M. If compared to the 2021 report, these figures are equivalent to a reduction of 895MT and USD 2.1M that stopped entering the country, since at that time USD 4.9M for 2,079.3MT had entered.

Ukraine

The Share of Energy Resources in Pork Production Costs May Increase to 8-10% (Jan 9)

During 2022, the cost of pork production in most domestic operators fluctuated slightly, about 10%, as compared to 2021. Oleksandr Bondarska, the head of the analytical department of the "Swine Farmers of Ukraine" association (ASU) indicated that a significant decrease in the price of key fodder crops was "eaten" by the increase in the price of their delivery and imported feed ingredients. Accordingly, not all operators achieved complete and significant optimization of feed costs. She added that power outages in the IV quarter have already had a significant impact on the structure of production costs. If in previous periods the specific weight of energy costs reached 4-5%, then, according to preliminary estimates of operators, in the IV quarter it is already 6-6.5%, and this year, according to pessimistic forecasts, it may increase to 8-10% from total costs for pork production

Philippines

The Philippines Extends Its Reduced Import Tariffs (Jan 12)

The Philippines introduced reduced tariffs on pork imports in 2021 to offset African swine fever (ASF)-related losses in domestic pork production and to address supply issues. Now, the Philippine government has extended the reduced import duties until December 31, 2023. These apply to fresh, chilled and frozen pork and are 15% in-quota and 25% out-quota. Previously the rates were 30% and 40% respectively.

Samal City Gets P10-M Projects to Boost Swine Production (Jan 12)

Olivia Gatus, officer in charge of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) 11 (Davao region), said the projects consist of housing facilities, breeder animals, and equipment. Spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture (DA) 11, National Livestock Program and the ATI-11, the program also helps IGACOS raisers to produce their hogs. The initiative includes initial inputs for the establishment of a 30 sow-level swine multiplier and techno demo farm project under the NLP's Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) program. INSPIRE aims to help the Philippine swine industry recover by increasing hog production and ensuring the availability, accessibility, and affordability of pork and pork products.

Taiwan 

On Track to Eradicate Swine Flu (Jan 9)

The Chairman of Taiwan’s Council of Agriculture (COA), Minister Chen Chi-chung recently announced that Taiwan is on track to being declared a swine flu-free nation. If it continues on this path, Taiwan will be declared swine-flu free by 2024. At that point, it will be the first Asian nation to do so. In a government-issued press release, Chen said that pigs bred for meat in Taiwan will no longer need to be vaccinated against swine flu. The suspension began January 1, 2023. According to the same release, the COA plans to suspend all vaccination programs for breeding pigs by July 2023 as well.