Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 May 2021
386. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which pig production is encouraged to continue on a sound footing with particular reference to its future and a living for pig producers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27386/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe pig sector has shown exceptional growth over the last decade. It is the third largest agri-food sector, accounting for 6.3% of the output value of the agri-food sector and generated exports of €893 million in 2020; this compares to an export value of €330 million in 2010. The sector supports approximately 8,000 rural jobs and has played a key role in meeting our Food Wise 2025 targets.
Production saw an increase of 4.2% to over 3.5 million head in 2020 and currently year to date 2021 slaughter figures are 6.3% higher than the same period of 2020 (1.3 million). Exports trends are also shifting in light of Brexit, with exports to third country markets steadily expanding in recent years, accounting for almost 35% of total value.
Coming into 2021, prices were significantly lower when compared to same period in 2020, when prices were at a historical high. Nonetheless, Irish pig price has seen growth since the beginning of the year from 155.36 €/100kg in week 1 to 164.82.12 €/100kg in week 18 (6.1%) - well above the EU average price of 154.45 €/100kg (EU price as of week 17).
