asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food in the light of a recent report (details supplied) on the costs of efficiency of pig production in The Netherlands, Denmark, Britain and Ireland, the action he proposes to take to ensure that Ireland achieves a better export percentage.
Written Answers. - Pig Exports.
29.
The development of the pigmeat sector and the achievement of increased exports are dependent on the creation of an efficient modern industry capable of competing on equal terms with the best in the Community. With this in mind I unveiled a major development and rationalisation programme for the pigmeat industry in July of last year. The programme involves total investment of £140 million, including generous State and FEOGA assistance, towards improved slaughtering and processing facilities. Substantial progress has already been made in carrying out this programme. A number of new facilities are now close to completion and work on others is going ahead or at an advanced planning stage.
To assist further the development of the pigmeat industry I established the pigmeat production group last autumn. The group examined many of the issues addressed in the report to which the Deputy refers, looking in particular at the best ways of expanding pig numbers on a sustained basis and identifying potential constraints which might militate against expansion. The group which reported to me in March has identified areas at all levels of the industry where action is needed if the pigmeat sector is to progress. Targets and time frames have been set by the group for actions in such areas as feed imputs, breeding, finance, slaughtering, processing and marketing. A round of discussions between the group and the various interests involved in the pig industry has just been concluded and the views expressed are now being assessed. At the same time, slaughterers and processors have been asked to submit development plans for their plants before the end of this month detailing how the various targets are to be met and highlighting a marketing strategy for handling increased output.
CBF will of course be playing a central role in promoting pigmeat on both home and export markets. An overall marketing strategy for the sector is now being devised by CBF and this should greatly facilitate the continued development of pigmeat exports.