Rory O'Hanlon
Ceist:349 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry his plans for the future development of the pig industry, including pig processing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6054/96]
Written Answers. - Pig Industry Policy.
The Irish pig industry has undergone a dramatic transformation in the past decade. A rationalisation programme has been undertaken which resulted in the replacement of a large number of outdated and small-scale slaughtering plants by eight high-standard large scale plants. Over £90 million in total has been invested, by the industry itself, by the State, and by way of FEOGA grants, in this programme. Currently the industry is one of the most modern and efficient in the European Union.
The pigmeat sector now has the structure and capability to achieve further market driven expansion. Our current level of production of pigs more than covers our home consumption needs and therefore the industry needs to find markets for a growing exportable surplus.
A key requirement will be the expansion of our current range of products. Consumer trends are moving towards prepared foods and the industry will have to react to this. In this regard, through a marketing and promotion programme, An Bord Bia, in conjunction with pigmeat processing companies, have been giving greater attention to marketing strategy and have made significant progress in improving the appreciation of the quality and image of their product. The market for added value product has been identified as possessing the most potential for expansion. Prepared consumer foods for direct retail sales and for the catering trade is another category which is being targeted.
EU aid is available via the Food Sub-Programme 1994-1999. The programme provides EU aid for the improvement of cutting and processing capacities in the pigmeat sector, subject to certain limitations.
Forbairt, which now sees the Irish pigmeat processing industry in a competitive rather than an expansionary phase, is engaged with the principal firms in the pigmeat industry in an exercise to determine the relative competitiveness of the Irish pigmeat processing companies against key overseas competitors. They are also working closely with industry in the identification and development of new products and processes.