Minister talks of efforts to develop markets for Irish pigmeat exports

EFFORTS are continuing to reopen access to the Russian and Chinese markets for Irish pigmeat exports, Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith revealed at the national pig farmers’ forum in Athlone.

Stressing the importance of developing export markets, he said he hoped the efforts would “bear fruit in the near future”.

Mr Smith praised Bord Bia particularly for efforts in re-gaining access for Ireland to most markets within a short time of their closure last year due to the dioxin incident.

Mr Smith said he expects to receive an interim report in months from a steering group that is progressing recommendations in a strategy drawn up for the sector by Teagasc in consultation with stakeholders.

He said this was evident in the support made available through investment schemes and the Government’s prompt and decisive action following the dioxin incident as well as actions he had pursued at EU level to alleviate market difficulties.

IFA president Padraig Walshe said pigmeat imports continue to be an enormous problem. If these products were correctly labelled and consumers were offered the choice, farmers would have a fair opportunity to promote their product.

“Production costs here will always be slightly higher than applies in other countries. However, when consumers are offered the choice of Irish versus non-Irish, surveys have shown that the preference is for Irish,” he said.

Copa-Cogeca, the umbrella bodies for European farmers and agri co-ops, have, meanwhile, called on the European Commission to introduce refunds for EU pigmeat exports immediately.

They warned that the current crisis in the pigmeat sector is unsustainable and many producers will go out of business if no action is taken.