IFA to Hold National Pig Farmers Meeting
IFA Pig Committee Chair Michael Caffrey has called a National Pig Farmers Meeting for Mon next, 29th Sept, in the Killeshin Hotel in Portlaoise to address the erosion of confidence among pig farmers following very significant drops in pig price.
“Pig farmers have endured price cuts totalling 32c/kg since July, bringing returns dangerously close to breakeven levels. Drops of this magnitude are unprecedented. Combined with rising costs and new regulations, confidence in the sector is being seriously undermined at a time when prices should be moving in the opposite direction to secure the future of our farmers.”
Over recent weeks, pig prices have fallen across Europe while Chinese tariffs of up to 62% on EU pigmeat, including 20% on Irish pigmeat exports, have added further pressure. Farmers are also contending with increasing compliance and regulatory costs; labour pressures; and environmental requirements. There will be speakers from Bord Bia, Teagasc and the Nitrates Division of DAFM to address the meeting.
“After only two years of recovery from the 2021–2023 pig crisis, farmers are once again operating very close to breakeven levels. To safeguard the sector, we need a price path that delivers long-term sustainability, which means farmgate prices that will ensure pig farm profitability.”
The Portlaoise meeting, which will begin at 3.30pm, will give farmers the chance to voice their concerns about the future of the sector.
