The Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (MIDAGRI) announced on Apr. 19 that Peru’s average pork consumption has reached 11 kilograms per person annually, tripling over the past decade. This increase was highlighted during the Week of Peruvian Pork, which is organized in coordination with the Peruvian Association of Pig Farmers (ASOPORCI).
The growth in pork consumption reflects changes in eating habits and efforts to strengthen the productive chain. MIDAGRI said this progress is part of broader initiatives to boost sector competitiveness, production quality, and national food security.
In terms of production, Peru now has a pig population exceeding 3.6 million and produces approximately 289 thousand tons of pork each year. The activity is concentrated mainly in Lima (46.1%), La Libertad (11.2%), and Ica (8.4%). The ministry noted a shift toward more technical and efficient systems: while backyard farming accounts for 58% of pig rearing, intensive farming—making up just 38%—produces about three-quarters of total output.
These results are linked to joint work between MIDAGRI’s Directorate General for Livestock Development and producers through campaigns such as “Eat Pork, Eat Healthy” and events like Chicharrón Day. Regulatory improvements are also underway with adjustments to environmental thresholds under agrarian regulations and waste management rules.
Animal health remains a focus area as well; SENASA’s plan against classical swine fever has led to fourteen regions being declared free from the disease—a move that supports animal health standards required by international markets.
Peru recently gained approval to export pork and poultry meat to Singapore after meeting international standards for food safety—a step that positions it as a competitive supplier in Asia’s demanding markets.
MIDAGRI operates from its central headquarters in Jesús María along with decentralized offices across Peru according to its official website. The ministry serves agricultural producers nationwide by promoting sustainable development strategies focused on rural inclusion and food security according to the official website. It functions within Peru’s Executive Branch as stated on its website.
The ministry also supports legislative initiatives through regulations designed to strengthen sustainable agriculture according to its official site. Established by legislation in 2020, MIDAGRI oversees programs aimed at improving resource management for agricultural producers throughout Peru according to its official website.
