Pig Council Report May 2026

Market Report 

When the last council report was submitted in February, prices (including vat) were as follows:  

Rosderra €1.74 – 1.84c/kg (Grading system)  Kepak  €1.74 –1.78c/kg 

Dawn P&B €1.74- 1.78c/kg  Staunton’s €1.74 – 1.78c/kg  Sows €0.98/kg 

Today, as we enter the 3rd week in April 2026, the average pig price reported by Irish pig farmers is €1.76/kg including VAT. 

Rosderra €1.78 – 1.90c/kg (Grading system)  Kepak  €1.74 –1.78c/kg 

Dawn P&B €1.74- 1.78c/kg  Staunton’s €1.74 – 1.78c/kg  Sows €1.02/kg 

When the previous Council report was submitted in February, pig prices had already come under significant downward pressure following the sharp market correction experienced from early July 2025 onwards. At that time, prices paid by processors (including VAT) were broadly aligned across plants, with quotes in or around €1.74 – 1.78/kg observed. This represents a 46c/kg reduction in pigmeat prices since July 2025, this reduction has significantly tightened the producers’ margins at times when costs continue to rise. It should be noted that Rosderra introduced its grading-based pricing system in early December, with payments adjusted according to carcass weight and lean meat percentage under its Pig Quality Payment System (PQPS). While some producers report improved returns under the new system, others indicate reduced payments depending on pig specification, resulting in mixed outcomes at farm level. 

Since then, the market has stabilized. As of the third week of April 2026, the average pig price reported by Irish pig farmers has stabilized around €1.76/kg including VAT, representing no significant change from February levels. This stabilization in the market is welcomed, however, with increasing costs, this price puts significant pressure on producer margins. 

Sow slaughtering for the year-to-date amounted to an increase of approximately 3.3% on the same period in the previous year. Up to week 14, approximately 1,004,542 head have been processed. An increase of approximately 32,500 head when compared with last year.  

For Grade E pig carcasses, the EU weighted-average price for the week ending 13^th April 2026 stood at roughly €1.67/kg (this was €1.48/kg in Feb) representing a stabilized and welcomed positive trend across the bloc. In comparison, Irish producers achieved an average of approximately €1.76/kg, for the same week. The Chinese tariffs which apply to EU pigmeat exports into China are not helping matters, although, those levels have reduced significantly since before Christmas. 

Latest trade data for the period February to April 2026 indicate a mixed performance for Irish pigmeat exports, with overall volumes and values easing slightly year on year, alongside notable variation across product categories. 

EU and international markets. 

Our pigmeat imports from Spain increased from 905 tonnes (Jan-feb 2025) to 1,087 tonnes (Jan-feb 2026). 

Activity since last National Council 

• Engagement continues with the Nitrates Division on the proposed four-day rule, with the Committee stressing the logistical impossibility of the measure for integrated pig units and live slurry movements. We have sought to use the previous years’ data to inform import capacity. This has not been accepted but we continue to engage with the Nitrates Division on same. 

• Ongoing discussions are taking place with DAFM, Animal Health Ireland, the EPA, Meat Industry Ireland, processors (on pricing mechanisms), and Bord Bia to address immediate market challenges and promote long-term sector viability. 

• DNA testing and traceability work continues in the foodservice sector to ensure Irish-produced pigmeat is used wherever possible. The Committee has renewed focus on retail compliance and visibility of Quality Assured Irish product, which is an area of particular importance. 

• Retail engagement remains active on pricing, sustainability, and evolving production standards to ensure the viability of domestic pig farming. 

• Ongoing technical discussions with the EPA and the Commission regarding IED implementation. 

• IFA Pig committee chair and delegation participated in the EU Horizon “WelFarmers” spring meeting, 10^th March. 

• IFA Pig Committee meeting took place in Irish Farm center on 1^st April. 

• IFA met with Teagasc regarding nutrient management planning on 15^th April. 

• IFA Pig pre-budget 2027 submission completed. 

EU/COPA Developments 

• Continued collaboration with Copa-Cogeca and the European Commission on simplifying the implementation of the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) to reduce administrative burdens on pig farmers. 

• Ongoing engagement with Copa-Cogeca on the revision of the Animal Welfare in Transport Regulation, and animal welfare of farmed animals contributing to position papers to ensure practicality for Irish producers. 

• Monitoring the “End of Cages” initiative, with Copa-Cogeca’s impact assessment warning that an immediate implementation could remove up to 37 % of EU pork output and 3 % of egg production, underlining the need for phased, realistic transition periods. 

• Engagement with Copa-Cogeca and DAFM on the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), now postponed to December 2026. The IFA is emphasizing the importance of safeguarding feed supply chains, particularly for imported soy used in pig rations. 

• Participation continues in the EU Horizon “WelFarmers” project, where IFA pig representatives are contributing to thematic groups on farm welfare practices and knowledge exchange across regions. 

Upcoming Issues 

• We are working on arranging a further follow-up meeting with the Nitrates Division (DAFM). 

We met on the 4th December and further discussions are needed to secure practical  amendments to the export/import of nutrients. 

• Market pressures persist: the average Irish pig price is currently around €1.75/kg plus grading bonus. The Committee will continue engaging with processors to push for fairer price returns and transparency in contract structures. 

• Renewed focus on reducing imported pigmeat use in the foodservice sector and improving presentation and promotion of Irish pigmeat on retail shelves. 

• We aim to resume collaboration with Bord Bia on the revised Pigmeat Quality Assurance Scheme and the revision of pilot audits at the earliest appropriate opportunity. 

• Active participation in the Pig Health Check Implementation Group, particularly in relation to the National Salmonella Control Programme and the Biosecurity Code of Practice. 

• Continued work with the DAFM Welfare Division to ensure practical implementation of welfare policy that protects both animal wellbeing and farm sustainability.