Fury over pig ‘hello cash’

PIG farmers have revolted against “hello money”, which has moved down the food chain as far as the farm gate.

Around the world food manufacturers are charged billions to get their products on the shelves of the giant supermarket chains.

Now, Irish pig farmers have risen up against Glanbia for withholding a loyalty charge of €2 from the value of each pig they buy from farmers over a 13-week period.

IFA Pigs Committee chairman Mr Pat O’Keeffe revealed that Glanbia withhold €5,700 over 13 weeks from a €500 sow farmer selling 220 pigs per week. After 13 weeks the giant plc returns €1,700 to the farmer. But it retains nine weeks of the loyalty charge on an on-going basis, or €4,000 in the case of this example farmer.

“The real sting comes if a producer is offered a better price elsewhere; they would have to forfeit this lump sum to move factory.

He said the charge is not “voluntary” because no pig supplier is in a position to refuse to pay it, and still get their pigs slaughtered in Glanbia. He said it is a blatant attempt by Glanbia to prevent free movement of pigs by producers, and thus manipulate prices for their own benefit.

He warned Glanbia that the turning point has arrived for farmers battling the withholding of €2 per pig. He said, “IFA has objected to this charge being imposed from day one, but due to producer concerns regarding a slaughter outlet following the closure of Galtee many producers were compelled to accede to Glanbia pressure.”

He called on Glanbia to bring all producers’ payments up to date by issuing cheques immediately.

“Glanbia must learn that loyalty is something that is earned and not commanded,” said Mr O’Keeffe.