This report relates to the two items mentioned in paragraph 1 both of which have been considered by the Sub-Committee on agriculture and fisheries matters. The first concerns the proposed Council regulation aimed at liberalising intra-Community trade in breeding pigs. The different regulations on quality standards operating in the various Member States are at present hampering trade severely. The position is that some countries specialise in breeds not always found in others while there has been a marked increase generally in the production of hybrid breeding pigs. To deal with this situation it is proposed that interference will be forbidden in intra-Community trade in pure-bred and hybrid breeding pigs and in their semen and embryos. The proposal also lays down zootechnical (quality) measures for assessing pigs' genetic value and requirements for natural service and artificial insemination. The proposal also includes provision for the adoption of implementing measures of a purely technical nature. The adoption of the proposed regulation would likely mean that the licensing of boars under the Livestock Breeding Act, 1925, would have to be discontinued and the relevant regulations made under that Act would need to be repealed.
The Irish pig population is mainly pure-bred, the Large White and Landrace breeds being predominant. The repeal of existing national legislation would mean that hybrid boars, as well as pure-bred boars, would be permitted for breeding purposes without control of breeding quality. Large scale breeding companies which produce commercial hybrid breeding stock would be allowed to import stock and market it for breeding. The Department of Agriculture, who have been consulted by the sub-committee, state that this could adversely affect the market for stock of our existing pedigree breeders.
Furthermore, under the proposed regulation we would not be permitted to apply quality control of breeding stock proposed for import. In that event, stock which might adversely affect some elements of quality in our commercial pig stocks could be imported. The Department are satisfied that in the case of certain types of these hybrid imported stocks their quality is inferior to that of the pure-bred Irish stock. Furthermore, hybrids could pass even more freely and with less restrictions than pure-bred stock between Community states. As a result, the quality of our bacon could deteriorate with a consequential loss of quality exports. Eighty-five to 90 per cent of our pigs are at present grading A or A special. The high quality of our bacon is due mainly to the quality of our pure-bred stock.
In addition, coloured pigs, which are currently prohibited in this country, could be imported. The prohibition on coloured pigs stems from the possible adverse effect which pigmented pigs may have on over-all bacon quality.
Regarding the quality of Irish pigs, the attention of members is directed to the scientific evidence reproduced in an annex to this report, which shows that the quality of the meat of the Irish Large White and Landrace pigs is superior to that of most continental strains and breeds.
In view of the serious consequences which the Department of Agriculture suggest could follow for Irish pig producers from the liberalisation of trade in hybrids, the Committee are not in favour of their inclusion in the proposed regulation. While increased and free intra-Community trade is in general desirable, nevertheless, if it resulted in a deterioration in the quality of Irish breeding stocks, the Committee are of the opinion that it would not be for the ultimate good of the Irish pig and bacon industry. I am sure Members will agree with that view.
