asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will make a statement on the pig industry and the prospects for the marketing of pig meat.
46.
Written Answers. - Pig Industry.
20.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he has any plans for the rationalisation of the pig industry.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 46 together.
The pig industry is going through a difficult period at present. Producers have experienced declining margins while processors have had to contend with a depressed market situation, both at home and abroad. The recent introduction of an EC scheme of aids for private storage has gone some way towards arresting a further decline in the market.
At factory level, there is an urgent need for rationalisation and modernisation of slaughtering and processing plants. Significant grant aid — both IDA and FEOGA — is available to suitable applicants for these purposes. The aim is to increase competitiveness on all markets. However, the decision to invest rests with individual firms who will be primarily influenced by prospective returns on investment.
At the marketing end, the services of CTT are available to help with marketing arrangements. The main initiative in this area must, however, come from the individual factories which must be prepared to devote more resources to the proper marketing of pigmeat.