IFA demands pig income crisis solution
IFA Pigs Committee chairman Pat O’Flaherty said pig producers are making losses of up to €10 on every pig they sell.
“This is simply not sustainable and prices must rise to a level that provides a margin for the producer,” he said.
Mr O’Flaherty said export markets play a vital role in the industry, with 50% of pig meat exported.
Processors are claiming it is proving more difficult to sell product into these markets.
“We have failed to secure new markets following the Russian ban and farmers’ profitability is suffering as a result,” said Mr O’Flaherty.
“The minister must ensure that Bord Bia works harder to promote Irish pig meat on international markets.”
Mr O’Flaherty said that there is also a growing concern that processing capacity is not keeping pace with output.
Producers have achieved and surpassed the production targets set out in the Food Harvest 2020 strategy despite considerable economic constraints over this period.
“Now, farmers are finding it increasingly difficult to get pigs slaughtered at the weights being demanded by processors,” he said.
“This issue must be immediately addressed as output continues to grow as a result of production ‘efficiencies’.”
Meanwhile, the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association president Patrick Kent has called for the reversal of cuts to disadvantaged areas payments in the light of proposed rises in public sector pay.
He said drystock farmers have the lowest incomes in the farming sector, and those who are also trying to make a living in disadvantaged areas have taken a huge hit.
Pointing out that €67m was taken out of the disadvantaged areas scheme, he said the ICSA is calling for the restoration of the maximum number of hectares for which payment can be claimed to 45.
