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While news reports focus on the shortage of carbon dioxide (CO2) supplies hitting availability of beer across Europe, it also has serious implications for Irish farmers and the meat-processing industry.
Most of Irish pig and poultry slaughter uses CO2 for the stunning process, and several sources have suggested that a number of pig-processing plants in Ireland have reduced their slaughtering capacity in a bid to conserve supplies of CO2. Others are reported to be running low on supplies.
In the further-processing of retail packs, CO2 gas is used to give meat maximum shelf life.
Concern
Tom Hogan, IFA pigs chair, has said: “There is major concern in the industry at the moment over the shortage of CO2. If it is not resolved and plants have to delay kills, then we’ll see a major knock-on effect on animal welfare as houses fill up.”
“Given the pressure the sector is already under, any disruption is very unwelcome. We will be talking to the Department to make sure that any supplies that do become available are prioritised for the sector.”
CO2 is normally sourced from ammonia-producing plants as a by-product of fertiliser. Ammonia production is timed to coincide with peak fertiliser use, which is early spring and late autumn. The plants then close for routine maintenance, halting CO2 production.
Shortage
Currently there is a Europe-wide shortage, with at least five CO2 producers in Northern Europe offline for maintenance, according to trade magazine Gasworld.
Low European ammonia prices have seen an influx of imports from other parts of the world and an increase in gas prices, one of the raw ingredients, has seen margins narrow for ammonia producers. This has meant many plants have decided to remain closed for longer than usual.
The shortage in supply has been coupled with an increase in demand. Favourable weather conditions and large events, such as the World Cup, have seen increased demand for meat and carbonated beverages, such as soft drinks and beers, which require CO2.
UK Issues
The shortage of CO2 supplies is also causing problems in Britain, with Fiona Steiger, deputy director of the British Meat Processors Association saying “We are concerned about the CO2 shortage and we and our members are working with the retailers and government officials to keep the supply chain moving.”
“It is understood that shortage of carbon dioxide gas could last approximately four weeks, but the true picture is still emerging as more information comes through.”
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