Pig/Poultry
The impact of Covid-19 on the pig sector has been described as "very worrying" due to increased logistical challenges.
Calls have been made for an immediate ban on any pork imports from countries affected by African swine fever (ASF) in their commercial herd.
The pig trade across the EU this week has witnessed increases in pig price in many countries as major pig producing countries.
Pig farmers from across the country met tonight to voice their frustration at the continued Irish price lag behind European pig prices.
It is anticipated that Irish pig processors will "raise their pig price in line with other European pig processors".
In line with strong global pig trade, an "immediate and substantial price increase" is being called for by the IFA.
Irish pig processors have been urged to follow their European counterparts and increases Irish pig prices immediatley.
"If the current margins over feed cost continue for much longer, the Irish pig sector will crumble within months."
"At this stage, we would have to be calling on the Minister for Agriculture to offer compensation for farmers exiting the industry."
It has been outlined by the chairman of a farm lobby group's pig committee that there are signs of of improvement in Irish pig prices.
Farmers have expressed their dismay at the refusal of pig processors to increase Irish pig prices for yet another week.
All pig processors have been called upon to stop cutting the pig price for farmers by IFA National Pigs Chairman Tom Hogan.
