The latest foot-and-mouth outbreak is promising for Irish pig farmers, with increasing opportunity for exporting. The government in South Korea has raised the alert for foot-and-mouth disease to its highest level after a fourth farm tested positive.
The latest foot-and-mouth outbreak is promising for Irish pig farmers, with increasing opportunity for exporting.
The government in South Korea has raised the alert for foot-and-mouth disease to its highest level after a fourth farm tested positive.
Reports suggest beef and pork prices are up 10% on last month.
However, when it comes to pigmeat, the country is heavily dependent on the domestic market compared to beef.
During the country’s worst foot-and-mouth epidemic between 2010 and 2011, pork prices shot up by over 40%.
A spokesperson for Bord Bia said the disease outbreak “represents opportunities for the Irish pigmeat industry to build exports into that market”.
Last year, Ireland exported around 6,000t to this market and trading activity will now be increasing to help control rapidly rising prices.
Driven by Asia
Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, IFA pigs committee chair Tom Hogan said the country could “absolutely become a bigger market for Irish exports”.
“Everything we produce is Quality Assured because we couldn’t sell to the factories if we didn’t.”
Irish pigmeat exports grew strongly during 2016, driven by high demand from Asian markets.
The Chinese market grew significantly for Irish exporters last year and is now the second most important market for Irish pigmeat.
For 2017, the outlook for the Chinese market is strong and better than the past few years, Tom said.
However, the domestic market is expected to recover after a drop in herd numbers last year.
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Pig prices up and China to stay key market in 2017
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