New Irish pig farmer leader, Tom Hogan, has called on processors to immediately increase prices to producers in response to a rising EU market.
Newly elected at chairman of the IFA National Pigs and Pigmeat Committee, Mr Hogan said there was a real sense of positivity amongst EU producers in response to rising prices and that he wanted to see being true of Ireland.
“We have suffered a poor year despite price recovery in the last few months,” he said. “Average prices this year will only be marginally ahead of last year as we have not recovered the 8c/kg (7p/kg) drop that we suffered in October.
“However this has been a positive year for the processing industry with a substantial increase in exports recorded and when you compare prices year on year, farmers have not seen the benefit of this which is so disappointing.
“Although the own brand retail products are supporting Irish pig prices in terms of putting the logo on the pack, they must also ensure that they are paying a fair price for pig meat. Retail support for Irish Quality Assured pig meat product is at an all-time high, but there is always someone in the market trying to undermine Irish meat and this is a constant battle for the pigs committee.”
Mr Hogan, farms 400 sows in Anglesboro, Co. Limerick, took over from former committee chairman, Pat O’Flaherty, who had completed four years in the post.