Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine to discuss challenges facing the Pig, Poultry and Horticulture sectors

Speaking ahead of the meeting at 5.30pm in Committee Room 3 of Leinster House, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Jackie Cahill said: “The pig, poultry and horticulture sectors face challenges on two fronts – increased production costs and a retail sector dominated by a number of large chains pushing down prices paid to farmers.

“Massive rises in the cost of energy, feed and fertiliser are putting increasing strain on farmers, while at the same time they are squeezed by the big retailers’ relentless push to drive down the retail price paid for their products and at the same time using unstainable discounting to encourage store footfall.

“These three sectors are a critical part of Ireland’s agri-food industry. The pig sector evenly services both domestic and export markets, while the home market dominates for poultry and horticulture.

“The Committee looks forward to discussing these multiple challenges faced by farmers with the representatives of the IFA, as well as potential solutions to drive down production costs while at the same time increasing the return for hard-pressed farmers and their families.”

The Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine has 14 Members, nine from the Dáil and five from the Seanad.

The meeting in Committee Room 3 can be viewed live on Oireachtas TV.

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.