Pig industry eyes Glanbia outcome

THE outcome of the negotiations under way for a possible management buyout of Glanbia Meats is being keenly awaited by pig producers and workers.

Pig producers are under pressure, especially from rising feed costs, and the trade unions are anxious to ensure members’ jobs will be protected in any change of ownership.

IFA Pig Producers Committee chairman Michael Maguire said he was disappointed Glanbia had decided to exit the pig processing industry.

He said pig producers were large purchasers of animal feed and inputs from Glanbia and the company was cutting pig farmers adrift.

Mr Maguire said he will be seeking assurances on the full re-opening of the Edenderry plant which is operating on a care and maintenance basis since the fire last August.

Pointing out the Irish pig industry is facing huge uncertainties over the massive hike in feed costs, he said producers are losing €1 million a week.

Glanbia Meats, which employs 850 people, is the country’s leading pork slaughterer and processor. It produces a range of products for both domestic and international markets.

It operates two modern slaughtering plants at Roscrea, Co Tipperary, and Edenderry, Co Offaly, which was partially destroyed by fire last August.

Glanbia Meats is also one of the largest businesses in pig farming in the country with 4,500 sows held across six farms.