The EU’s new private storage aid (PSA) for pigmeat has been confirmed as a measure that will include “fresh lard” alongside an increased level of overall aid.
This message was given by European Farm Commissioner, Phil Hogan, to EU farm ministers meeting in Luxembourg today, where it was also announced that the UK will receive a £26.44 million share of a total of £307m which is being distributed across member states.
Mr Hogan (pictured about), speaking specifically in relation to the pigmeat part of the programme, said: “Originally, it was foreseen that the new scheme for pigmeat would be a ‘classical PSA scheme’. However, I have listened to your concerns about the continuing effects of the Russian ban, including the unjustified ban on some products on SPS grounds.
“It is indeed a matter of great concern that EU producers should also be subject to arbitrary and unjustified additional barriers, which add to the burden of the Russian political embargo. Commissioner Andriukaitis has already responded to your call by committing himself to do as much as possible to resume trade on the products hit by the SPS ban. However, we need to see real change in Russian attitudes first.
“I have also heard your arguments to ensure the success of the scheme by including some of the low-value cuts. In this light, the scheme will be extended to fresh lard, responding to the proposal that some of the so-called ‘fifth-quarter cuts’ should be included.
“I am confident that the modifications made to these new schemes (for pigmeat and other sectors), particularly in terms of the levels of aid provided and the inclusion of lard in the pigmeat scheme will ensure that they are sufficiently attractive to be effective and ensure the desired market stabilisation objective.”
