The agri-food strategy 2030 topped the agenda at the inaugural meeting of the pig roundtable on Wednesday.

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture Martin Heydon encouraged all present to examine the consultation documents on the strategy and make submissions before the closing date of 15 June.

Meeting members included representatives from the farming and processing sectors, Teagasc, Bord Bia and the Department of Agriculture.

Minister Heydon said: “I look forward to the pig roundtable serving as a vehicle for constructive discussion with all stakeholders in driving forward the development of the sector, as well as taking a high-level approach to guiding the actions set out for the sector in the programme for government.”

Roundtable direction

Following on from the work of the pig industry stakeholder group (PISG) over recent years, the roundtable will focus its work on the key strategic developments in this very important sector to the Irish agri-food industry.

Minister Heydon stated that his ambition for this roundtable is to work in tandem with industry and farming partners in delivering on both the opportunities and challenges faced by the sector.

The work of the roundtable will be determined primarily by strategic drivers related to the sector, including the programme for government and the new agri-food 2030 strategy, when finalised.

The minister set out the proposed schedule for future meetings of the roundtable, which will come together on a quarterly basis over the next 12 months.

Agreement was reached with members of the group that a particular focus on animal health, animal welfare, environmental issues and trade issues will take place over that period.