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Pigmeat Sector

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 January 2022

Wednesday, 19 January 2022

Questions (1971)

Michael Creed

Question:

1971. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the initiatives he plans to assist the pig production sector given the collapse in prices and the significant increase in input costs; the discussions he has had with the sector in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1221/22]

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Written answers

 Price volatility is a significant issue for the pig sector, highlighting the cyclical nature of prices in the sector.

The pig sector has shown exceptional growth over the last decade. It is the third largest agri-food sector, accounting for 6.3% of the output value of the agri-food sector and generated exports of €893 million in 2020; with 2021 figures to end of October at €765 million. 

The average price paid for pigs in Ireland has fallen in recent months, in line with trends across the EU. The 2021 average price was 8.71% lower than that of 2020.

The first week of 2022 (w/e 9th January) saw the average grade E pig price come in at 142.72€/100kg, 8.14% lower than the same week last year. However, this is still well above the EU average price of 132.15€/100kg.

My Department continues to support the Irish pigmeat sector and facilitate its development by prioritising market access, both through maintaining existing markets and pursuing access to new ones. 

My colleague, Minister of State Martin Heydon chairs the Pig Roundtable, which was established in early 2021, and the next meeting of which will take place next week. The Pig Roundtable focuses on key strategic developments for the sector in line with priority actions set out in the Programme for Government and Food Vision 2030.

I clearly expressed my concerns at the this week's Agriculture Council, both in relation to the ongoing impact of increases in fuel, fertiliser, feed and energy prices over recent times which are putting farmer margins under significant pressure, and the sustained nature of the difficulties being experienced on the pigmeat market. I sought the rapid deployment of appropriate solutions on both issues. 

My officials continue to monitor the market situation closely and I met pig farmers and their representatives this week to discuss the issue further. Minister of State Heydon and I will continue to engage with pig farmers on the issue at present. Our pig farmers have always been remarkably resilient but I am acutely aware of the challenges they are facing at present.

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