Pig farmers encouraged by market stability

Pig farmers have urged Bord Bia to strongly promote sales, particularly of pork, in the run-up to Christmas.

IFA Pigs Committee Chairman Pat O’Flaherty said prices are just a few cents off breakeven for farmers, but he welcomed stabilisation of prices across the EU, and continuing UK price rises. He said there are no EU stocks of surplus pigmeat to hold back prices.

The top price offered at export and pork slaughter plants, and in Northern Ireland, stays at 160c/kg.