Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:735. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address concerns raised by pig farmers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26392/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 24 May 2022
Ceisteanna (735)
Freagraí scríofa
Our pig farmers have always been remarkably resilient but I am acutely aware of the unprecedented challenges that Irish pig farmers are facing at present and I am cognisant of the impact this is having for farmers across the country. The continued development of the pigmeat sector is a priority for me, given the pivotal role the industry plays in the national economic context.
While the average grade E pig price has improved somewhat, currently standing at €166.94/100kg, input costs have also continued to increase, with compound feed now at €500 per tonne, meaning that producer margins remain under significant pressure.
My officials are continuing to engage closely with the various industry sectors to monitor the identified risks and work towards mitigation actions where possible and appropriate.
On 13th April, I announced the Government's approval for exceptional aid supports of €15.8 million for the pig and horticulture sector, which will be funded from Ireland's EU allocation for exceptional adjustment aid. The approval was for €13 million for the pig sector and €2.8 million for the horticulture sector to support ‘High-wire’ protected glass house producers of tomatoes, cucumber and peppers, field vegetable producers, mushroom producers and commercial apple producers.
My officials are developing the schemes at present in order to deliver a rapid as possible payment to farm families.
In addition to this use of the EU exceptional aid provision, and in acknowledgement of the need to address the multiple impacts of the illegal invasion in Ukraine on food supply chains and food security, significant funding has also been allocated towards Exchequer funded measures including a targeted intervention package for the tillage sector, and the Pig Exceptional Payment Scheme.