£2m support package for local pig farmers

A NEW support scheme worth £2 million for local pig farmers has been announced by Agriculture Minister, Edwin Poots (pictured).

The scheme is targeted at pig farmers who have been financially impacted by the effects of weakening markets, increased feed costs and getting pigs moved off the farm for slaughter.

Announcing the support scheme for pig farmers, Mr Poots said, “I am very aware of the challenges pig producers have faced in recent months and I am convinced that the sector needs emergency financial support at this time.

“I therefore intend to direct my Permanent Secretary to deliver a support scheme that will target those farmers who have been impacted most.”

UFU president, Victor Chestnutt, said the support package would help to alleviate some of the financial pressures facing pig farmers.

He said, “The new support scheme will help to deal with some of the losses already incurred on farm, but it’s important to stress that it will not cover the losses which our farmers continue to endure. Since the war in Ukraine, the market price of feed has soared to levels not seen before. The Northern Ireland pig industry is hanging on a knife edge. A price increase is still needed from retailers to ensure the security of the industry during this extremely difficult period.”

Mr Chestnutt added, “We’re all aware of how vulnerable global supplies have become, we need to be supporting local food production and helping to protect our food producers during these difficult times.”

The scheme will make payments to those pig producers who incurred price penalties on pigs that were outside contract specifications from September 2021 to February 2022.

Eligible pig producers will be invited to apply through DAERA Online Services when the scheme opens in April.

Further information and details will be published on the DAERA website at that time.

The Minister added, “Many of the issues are due to factors outside the farmers control such as international supply and demand, labour availability in the processing sector, and repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“This package will assist producers in the short term, but industry must work together and adjust to market signals for the longer term.”