UFU and IFA discuss mounting pressures facing pig sector

Pictured L-R Frank Brady, former IFA Pigs Committee Chair, Roy Gallie, IFA Pig committee member, UFU Deputy President Clement Lynch, Amy Mulchrone, IFA Pig Policy Executive, UFU Deputy President Glenn Cuddy, UFU Policy Officer Danny McLaughlin, Micheal Caffrey, current IFA pig Chair.

Representatives from the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) Pork & Bacon Committee and Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) met in Dublin to discuss growing concerns over African Swine Fever (ASF), volatile global markets and mounting pressure on pig producers, alongside shared challenges around environmental regulation and disease control.

The meeting comes against the backdrop of a challenging and volatile global market, including an ASF outbreak in Spain and a finely balanced supply and demand situation. Closer to home, significant pressures are also 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.

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.”

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.

Both organisations 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. Depending on the strain, ASF can have mortality rates of up to 100% in affected pigs and an outbreak would have far-reaching economic consequences for the sector.

A key concern is the risk posed by contaminated pork products entering through both legitimate and illegal channels.

Mr Lynch added, “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.”

Both UFU and IFA attendees expressed a commitment to build upon an already strong relationship and continue to engage on shared interests in the future.