Pigmeat DNA testing to intensify ahead of Christmas
'Christmas is a crucial period for Irish pig farmers. Consumers buying quality assured Irish pork, bacon, and particularly their Christmas ham, must be confident that they are purchasing genuine Irish produce.'
The pigmeat DNA testing programme to verify produce origin is set to intensify ahead of the Christmas period.
The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) pigs committee is intensifying its DNA testing programme to verify the origin of pigmeat on the Irish market and to ensure local producers benefit from the vital festive trade.
IFA pigs committee chair Michael Caffrey said the programme was critical to protect the integrity of Irish pigmeat and consumer confidence.
"Christmas is a crucial period for Irish pig farmers. Consumers buying quality assured Irish pork, bacon, and particularly their Christmas ham, must be confident that they are purchasing genuine Irish produce," he said.
Mr Caffrey welcomed the continued support of Irish retailers for Bord Bia quality assured Irish pigmeat, particularly during a time when “farmers are under severe financial pressure”.
Mr Caffrey said falling pig prices and sharply rising feed costs were putting the viability of pig production under serious strain.
"Producers are already operating at a loss, with the latest Teagasc figures indicating losses of approximately €17 per pig. Strong support for Irish pigmeat in our home market is more important than ever," he said.
The committee’s vice-chair Paul Tully said Irish farmers could not afford to lose out on their own home market.
"With farm incomes under severe pressure, it is critical that pigmeat marketed as Irish stands up to scrutiny.
IFA will be ramping up DNA testing in the weeks ahead to protect the integrity of Irish produce and ensure Irish pig farmers benefit from the Christmas trade and to ensure the viability of our sector," he added.
