Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:34 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the measures, if any, he will introduce to alleviate the difficulties of farmers in the pig sector in the Border counties. [22442/99]
Written Answers. - Pigmeat Sector.
John Moloney
Ceist:79 Mr. Moloney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the extent of pigmeat imports; the market segments being targeted by the importers of these products; the actions, if any, in place or being planned to promote home products to Irish consumers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22404/99]
Brendan Smith
Ceist:87 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if his attention has been drawn to the recent slippage in pig prices which is putting further pressure on hard pressed producers; the prospects for a sustained recovery in pigmeat prices; his views on the level of processing capacity; the efforts, if any, being taken to improve the marketing of pigmeat overseas; the efforts, if any, being taken to promote the quality of pigmeat on the home market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22344/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 34, 79 and 87 together.
The pig sector not alone in Ireland, but throughout the EU, has been going through a very difficult time over the past year or so due to oversupply of the international market. Although prices paid to pig producers here have increased significantly since the beginning of the year, there is clearly a need for further improvement.
Despite the introduction of generous export refunds, an APS scheme, and a food-aid programme for Russia for the sector, the recovery in the market is taking longer than had been anticipated. I have recently written to EU Commissioner Fischler, requesting an increase in the export refunds for Russia, and an early completion of the food-aid programme under which a further 50,000 tonnes of pigmeat is set for delivery. I also asked him to bring forward proposals aimed at supply control in the sector, a factor which seems essential, if the industry is to prosper.
On the home front, I have arranged to meet the banks and representatives of the compound feed industry this week to discuss developments in the pig sector.
Last week, I met Enterprise Ireland and An Bord Bia and have asked both organisations to examine what action they can take to assist the sector. With regard to my meeting with Enterprise Ireland I have asked them for an immediate assessment of slaughtering capacity and to examine aspects of the industry which may require attention and possible investment.
In 1998, pigmeat imports into Ireland amounted to 35,000 tonnes. About 63 per cent of the pigmeat imports are used in the retail sector, with the balance going to the catering sector.
An Bord Bia recently commissioned research to establish the level of import penetration for pigmeat within the food service sector. The results showed that while home-produced pigmeat compares very well generally with imported product on grounds of quality, taste and freshness, nevertheless imports are perceived to have some advantages such as price, consistency of quality and of supply and larger eye muscle in the case of imported bacon. However a high proportion of current suppliers to caterers would, according to the research like to increase sales to that sector, but the caterers feel that a number of improvements are needed from suppliers in the areas of deliveries, product range, and more attention to customer needs. These are issues which the industry needs to address.
Consumption on the domestic market is highly important, particularly given the level of penetration by imports. An Bord Bia recently launched its autumn campaign for quality assured bacon and I am confident that this campaign will generate increased consumption of home produced pigmeat which should help prices.
The outlook for pig prices is favourable. The forecast by the EU Commission is that the supply of pigs should drop in the last quarter of this year. In addition the increased demand during the Christmas period should help to strengthen prices for producers.