The Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) has raised alarm over the intense pressure facing Filipino farmers and fishermen, warning that a possible food supply shortage may hit the country in the coming months if no immediate policy reforms are made.

According to the group, many farmers are now considering not planting in the next cropping season due to heavy losses, a development that could directly affect the country's food production.

SINAG attributed the worsening condition of the agriculture sector to the influx of imports and the rising cost of production, which it said are weakening Philippine agriculture as a whole.

For rice and corn, farmgate prices continue to drop because of the volume of imports, while farming expenses have reached no less than P30,000 per hectare. The widening gap between costs and earnings has pushed many farmers to consider holding off on planting altogether — a move that could lead to a shortfall in supply if left unaddressed.

In the fisheries sector, the group said small fisherfolk have been hit hard after large commercial vessels were allowed to operate within the 15-kilometer municipal waters. The development has reduced their catch and income, further straining an already struggling sector.

On the other hand, SINAG noted that livestock and poultry are facing an oversupply problem due to massive importation. Pork imports have reached 891 million kilos, while chicken imports have exceeded 541 million kilos.

In the past seven months, farmgate prices particularly for chicken, have fallen below production costs, leaving local producers with continuous losses.

The group lamented that the government has yet to recognize the real situation on the ground, despite figures reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority.

SINAG stressed that without immediate action on existing policies, the current oversupply may eventually give way to a shortage, with local food production unable to keep up with demand in the months ahead.