STORAGE AID BOOST FOR PIG INDUSTRY
Ulster Farmers' Union Pig Committee Chairman Nial Jordan has welcomed an EU Commission decision to introduce an Aids to Private Storage scheme for the European pig industry. The UFU joined with other EU farming organisations last week to request the introduction of the scheme. However Nial Jordan warned that local producers still faced a very serious situation, with every pig sold in Northern Ireland currently losing money for the farmer. The ongoing surge in feed prices is compounding the problem. The UFU has called for processors and retailers to do all they can to sustain local production of pigs.
Last week COPA, the umbrella organisation for EU farming union's wrote to Commissioner Franz Fischler outlining concerns about the need to introduce measures which would stabilise the pig meat market across Europe. The Commissions Pig Management Committee responded this week by introducing the storage scheme.
Nial Jordan said; "We are pleased that Commissioner Fischler has responded to our request. Our concerns about the current market problems were explained to the Commissions Pig Management Committee and they have responded as quickly as possible. The Aids to Private Storage scheme will allow pigmeat to be stored for between three and five months and will be some help in stabilising the market and prices".
Nial Jordan said the Union was continuing to work to secure sustainable prices for local pig farmers following the unexpected drop in prices in recent weeks. This will include requesting the Commission to boost export refunds for EU pigmeat, progressing the North South pig co-op and lobbying local processors and retailers. The UFU says the industry is moving into a critical period with producers considering their future involvement.
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