DA revives LDAG to stabilize livestock sector

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has reactivated the Inter-Agency Livestock Data Analytics Group (LDAG) to ensure market stability across the pork, chicken, egg and dairy sectors.

Under a special order dated April 10, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. reconstituted LDAG to facilitate the collection and analysis of key livestock and poultry data in a bid to improve planning, forecasting and policy formulation.

“We need up-to-date data on market trends and behavior to ensure that the policies we formulate and the actions we take safeguard and promote the growth of the industry – even as we protect consumers,” Tiu Laurel said.

By reviving the data group, the DA strives to protect both producers and consumers from price volatility and supply fluctuations.

“The market is dynamic, hence the need for better and more reliable information for accurate forecasts and timely decisions,” Tiu Laurel said.

Chaired by DA Undersecretary Constante Palabrica, the LDAG will monitor the supply and demand across the sector and work closely with the Philippine Statistics Authority on data needs and requirements.

It will also work with key agency partners to collect and consolidate data on livestock and poultry production, inventory levels, farmgate prices, cold storage stocks and production costs.

With the collated data, the group is expected to create scenario-based supply and demand outlooks, helping the DA make informed decisions to better manage the meat and poultry sectors.

“Through the strengthened LDAG, the DA aims to boost the livestock sector’s resilience, improve food security and promote long-term industry sustainability,” the agency said.

The DA first activated the LDAG in 2020 to streamline data gathering and analysis in line with efforts to ensure “food availability, accessibility and affordability” during the pandemic.

The LDAG includes representatives from the National Livestock Program, the National Dairy Authority, the National Meat Inspection Service, the Bureau of Animal Industry and the Philippine Carabao Center.