Pig farmers in Ireland are “extremely frustrated” that processors did not increase prices on Friday last week, according to the Irish Farmers Association’s pigs committee chairman, Pat O’Flaherty.
“It is vital that processors reflect improvements in trade in producer prices in a timely fashion,” he said, adding that demand for pigs is currently strong, with supplies tightening and with a decrease in carcase weights in recent weeks.
“Demand for Irish product is strong both domestically and on the export market and this must be reflected in producer prices. Irish pigmeat exports continue to rise in both volume and value, while imports are declining.”
Mr O’Flaherty (pictured above) added that it is crucial that any gains achieved from improvements in trade are fairly reflected in producer prices.
“Producers have experienced one of the worst price crises in decades and have yet to reach breakeven,” he said, pointing out that Irish prices have slipped back to 98% of the EU average price and cannot afford to fall any further behind.