Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Jun 1998

Vol. 493 No. 3

Written Answers. - Pigmeat Sector.

John Bruton

Question:

196 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will make a statement on the fact that pig farmers are selling pigs for 20 per cent less than 14 years ago despite the fact that the supermarket price has increased by 50 per cent over the same period and does not reflect the reduction in price which the farmer has to bear. [15642/98]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

The level of price which pig producers obtain on the market is governed by the law of supply and demand. Currently pig production in the EU, including Ireland, is increasing, and supplies are more than adequate to meet demand. The European Union is about 108 per cent self-sufficient at present and Ireland exports more than half of its production. Prices are therefore low throughout the EU.

The over-supply in the EU has come about following severe outbreaks of classical swine fever in the Netherlands, Spain, Germany and Belgium, which necessitated the slaughtering of millions of pigs in these countries. The resulting shortage of supplies not alone drove pig prices to record levels in May of last year but also encouraged pig producers in those member states not affected by the disease to increase production. Classical swine fever has been almost eradicated, and those member states affected are now bringing production back to pre-disease levels, adding to the over-supply situation.