Processors’ Price Cuts Eroding Confidence of Pig Farmers – IFA

Following the National Pig Meeting this week in Portlaoise, attended by over 100 pig farmers, IFA Pig Chair Michael Caffrey said pig farmers’ confidence is collapsing as pig prices continue to be cut by the processors.

“Pig farmers are operating dangerously close to breakeven. Confidence is collapsing, we need prices that deliver long-term sustainability,” Michael Caffrey said.

“Irish pig farmers have endured price cuts totalling 32c/kg since July and farmers cannot continue to absorb falling pig prices, rising costs and tougher regulations. We need a price path that delivers long-term sustainability for Irish pig farmers,” he said.

The meeting was not attended by any processors, despite being invited to attend. IFA President Francie Gorman and IFA Pig Chair Michael Caffrey reaffirmed IFA’s commitment to press processors for a fairer return.

Farmers also received presentations from Bord Bia’s Pig and Poultry Executive Shauna Jager, Teagasc Pig Specialist Michael McKeon, IFA Pig and Poultry Executive Sarah Hanley.

DAFM Senior Inspector for Nitrates and Biodiversity Ted Massey was also in attendance and outlined nitrates policy, compliance requirements and potential upcoming regulatory changes. Farmers strongly highlighted the unworkability of the four-day rule, stressing the need to promote a genuine circular economy between pig producers and recipient farmers.

Michael Caffrey said farmers called on DAFM to encourage importing farmers to utilise organic nutrients, not add layers of disincentives, and also sought assurances from the DAFM on import capacity levels, to remove the ‘fear factor’ that currently exists. Ted Massey’s address prompted a lively discussion, with farmers voicing concerns about the real-world impact of new measures on their businesses.

“The reality at farmgate when new measures are introduced is concerning, they have a significant impact on businesses and margins. DAFM must engage with farmers more, do their due diligence and assess the consequences of implementing change at farm-level,” Michael Caffrey said.