Dairygold pig move sparks clash

DAIRYGOLD’S decision to exit primary pig processing has led to a head-on clash with producers.

IFA deputy president Ruaidhrí Deasy will lead a delegation to meet with Dairygold chief executive Jerry Henchy tomorrow to discuss the decision to end pig slaughtering in Mitchelstown and close a plant in Roscrea, with a loss of 270 jobs.

Mr Henchy told the pig producers in a letter last weekend that the decision to exit slaughtering is irrevocable and there will be no turning back from it. No action aimed at damaging Dairygold in any way will lead to a reversal of the decision. He said Dairygold would continue to be a substantial buyer of Irish pork from other Irish processors who have already indicated a willingness to expand output with the benefit of a greater supply of pigs to their plants.