The pig sector is facing a rapidly escalating crisis, with prices 30c/kg below the cost of production following a further 6c/kg cut in pig prices, Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) pigs committee chair Michael Caffrey has warned.
The average price is now €1.63/kg, which will result in the average family pig farm losing in excess of €250,000 for 2026, according to Teagasc.
Sow prices have also plummeted to less than 60c/kg, while feed costs have increased by €20 per tonne.
"The situation is becoming desperate,” Caffrey stated.
“Pig farmers are now facing losses of approximately €28 per pig, with even greater losses on some farms. These price cuts are completely unsustainable and are putting the viability of family farms at serious risk.”
Veterinary industrial action
Compounding this, ongoing veterinary industrial action is resulting in pigs held on farms for longer, and therefore further weight penalties in the grading system through absolutely no fault of their own, according to Caffrey.
"The market is extremely volatile, and it is absolutely critical that pig prices are stabilised immediately. Farmers simply cannot absorb any further cuts.
“We recognise that pig markets and prices are under significant pressure right across Europe and further afield. However, Irish farmers cannot continue to bear the brunt of this downturn, particularly when production costs are rising and margins have already been wiped out."
Supply chain support
Caffrey said the entire supply chain must step up to protect this vital agricultural sector, which, according to PwC, contributes approximately €1.5bn annually to the Irish economy and supports over 8,000 jobs.
He called on retailers, primary and secondary processors to take responsibility and ensure a sustainable return to farmers, and for consumers to actively support Irish pig farmers by choosing Bord Bia Quality Assured Irish pork, bacon and ham.
“Irish pig farmers are producing a high-quality product, and they need the full support of retailers, processors and consumers now more than ever,” the IFA pig chair concluded.
