David Stanton
Ceist:45 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will report on the state of the pig industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28401/00]
Written Answers. - Pigmeat Sector.
The pig industry is in a reasonably satisfactory state at present. While producer prices are lower than in some other EU countries, they are about 27% higher than the poor levels experienced a year ago. Producers are obtaining good levels of efficiency. The industry as a whole, however, is at a crossroads and has to face emerging challenges, many of which have been identified in the Agri Food 2010 report. These include meeting international best practice in terms of processing scale, structure and capacity utilisation, meeting the demands of the catering and retail sectors, maintenance of export markets in the context of growing international competitiveness, food safety, product innovation and increase in value added. Environmental and animal health considerations will also have important consequences for the industry in the future.
A study of the pig industry on the island of Ireland was commissioned jointly with the Northern Ireland authorities. I expect the final report of this study will be available in the next couple of weeks. I will be examining its findings closely and I look forward to working with the industry on progressing the findings of the study with a view to doing everything possible to ensure the success of the industry going forward.
The plan of action setting out the Government's response to the 2010 report indicates that financial assistance will be provided for suitable projects put forward by the processing industry that are consistent with the direction in which the industry needs to go to ensure its future.