Pig industry crisis highlighted

THE seriousness of the crisis in the pig industry was highlighted by the presence of so many pig producers, processors and banking representatives at strategy meeting in Roscrea, Co Tipperary, said IFA president Padraig Walshe.

He said the meeting was attended by 180 people. There was an acceptance by stakeholders that the industry is in crisis and those in attendance were keen to support a survival plan.

Mr Walshe accused the Government of hypocrisy in allowing foreign meat imports, while Irish producers are not allowed access to imported animal feed. He said this was a disgrace. Irish people were being conned into thinking they are buying Irish products.