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IFA Pig Chair, Tom Hogan has called on factories to increase prices in the wake of improved prices across Europe.
“While I’d be cautiously optimistic that supplies in Ireland have tightened and prices will improve, we’re about 8c behind a breakeven price of €1.50/kg,” Hogan stated.
“It’s unsustainable to keep going at an average price of around €1.40/kg, and prices have improved dramatically in Europe due to demand.”
Last week, Minister Michael Creed acknowledged the pressure the industry is facing in a response to a parliamentary question from Sinn Féin deputy Martin Kenny.
“Current prices at €1.38/kg are well below prices at the same time in 2017,” Minister Creed said.
The pig sector is the third largest agricultural sector in Ireland, with 68,654 pigs killed last week.
The minister stated that international demand, in particular from Japan, is growing and he intendsto nurture the trade.
Pig prices must 'rise over coming weeks'
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