asked the Minister for Agriculture in relation to the new Community wide scale for grading of pig carcases introduced on 1 November 1985 Regulation EEC No. 2967/85, the plans, if any, he has set in train to ensure that the new grading will be implemented before the cut-off date which is the end of 1988.
Written Answers. - Pig Grading Regime.
159.
Arrangements for implementing the new grading regime are well advanced. The industry itself is aware of the need to move to grading on lean-meat content in line with market demands which reflect increasing consumer preference for lean meat.
As of now, the necessary field trials have been carried out by my Department and the consequent dissection work has been undertaken by an An Foras Talúntais. It is hoped to be in a position to present our proposed scheme to the EC Commission for its approval in the early months of 1987.
Discussions have already taken place with the industry and the aim at this stage is to have the new grading scale introduced in 1987, initially on a voluntary basis and, subsequently, on a statutory basis, applying to all establishments over a certain size.