This is a subscriber-only article
In a parliamentary question this week, Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney was asked about the outcome of the discussions at the recent European Union Agriculture Council in relation to the serious problems facing the pigmeat sector. He was also asked about the proposals to provide additional assistance at EU level.
The Minister said that his priority is to secure the re-opening of the Pigmeat Private Storage Aid Scheme.
"Given that the sector does not enjoy direct EU supports, market tools available in times of extreme price volatility must be deployed when necessary. I am pleased to note that the Commission has agreed to the re-opening of this scheme in 2016.
"In the interim, a direct aid package payment will issue in the coming week to all pig farmers in Ireland with a minimum level of supply of 200 pigs slaughtered in 2015," he responded.
A flat rate payment of over €3,000 each will be issued to farmers most affected by price volatility.
Furthermore, he said, Commissioner Phil Hogan is determined to open up new markets for EU products, with a specific €30 million envelope for dairy and pigmeat available to reflect the market disturbances in those sectors. "Ireland, through Bord Bia, will be making an application for a proportion of this funding in the very near future," he said.
Pork forum
Coveney was also asked about his proposals to establish a pork forum to represent the interests of farmers and processors within the sector. He responded by saying that he was favourable of the implementation of the findings of last year’s pig report over the creation of such a forum.
The aim of the report was to address the challenges facing the sector, under themes such as biosecurity, animal welfare, quality assurance, antiobiotic usage, animal health, salmonella control programme, marketing, feed, non-intensive sector and other production models.
"I believe that a focus on its implementation represents best use of available resources for all parties and most importantly will deliver the most meaningful outcome for the sector in its current difficulties," he said.
SHARING OPTIONS: