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.

IFA Pigs and Pigmeat committee chairman Michael Maguire said pig farmers are losing in the region of €10-15/pig, which represents selling 200 pigs a week a loss of €3,000 a week.

The situation was completely unsustainable and the need for price increases was essential, he said, pointing out the consensus from the Roscrea meeting was that Irish pigmeat producers and processors could reclaim the Irish market through a revamped marketing strategy by Bord Bia.

It was predicted at the meeting that 30% of pig producers will exit the sector in the next year.

A lobbying session with politicians is being planned in the next two weeks to emphasise the urgent need for country of origin labelling and for approved animal feed to be allowed into Europe.