Representatives from the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) and Irish Farmers’ Association discussed the mounting pressures on pig producers in both countries and ongoing the threat of African swine fever, at a meeting in Dublin this week.
The meeting comes against the backdrop of significant pressures facing the Northern Ireland pig sector, with a number of producers having been served notice on their supply contracts to the Sofina Foods site in Cookstown. This is in the wider contect of a challenging and volatile global market, with the ASF outbreak in Spain causing disruption in Europe alongside an already finely balanced supply and demand situation.
Representatives from both UFU’s Pork & Bacon Committee and the IFA expressed strong concern about the threat posed by ASF and stressed the need for improved biosecurity and rigorous border controls to help prevent the disease entering the island of Ireland. A key concern is the risk posed by contaminated pork products entering through both legitimate and illegal channels.
Environmental regulation was also discussed, including the importance of technologies capable of processing pig slurry to remove phosphorus, often referred to as ‘end-of-pipe solutions’, and the role these could play in helping the sector manage environmental pressures.
UFU deputy president Clement Lynch said: “This meeting provided an important opportunity to build on the already strong working relationship between the UFU and IFA and to discuss the challenges facing pig producers north and south of the border.
“We had a useful discussion on our respective domestic markets, while recognising the difficult global situation facing both the Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland pork sectors. Maintaining dialogue and sharing information is particularly important when producers are operating in such a volatile environment.
“Preventing contaminated pork products from entering the island must be one of our first and most crucial lines of defence against ASF. Robust controls are essential, alongside close cooperation between veterinary teams north and south of the border to ensure we are properly prepared should an incursion occur.
“The consequences of ASF reaching this island would be devastating for pig producers. Prevention, preparedness and cooperation must therefore remain a priority.”
UFU and IFA attendees expressed a commitment to build upon an already strong relationship and continue to engage on shared interests in the future.