Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan and Monaghan, Brendan Smith has welcomed the announcement by his colleague Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue, that a fund worth €7m has been provided for the country’s pig producers. 

Deputy Brendan Smith commented, “I would like to thank my colleague Minister McConalogue for securing this much needed support package for pig farmers across the constituency. Prices for inputs such as feed and energy have skyrocketed coinciding with a drop in the price received for pigs from the market. 

“Minister McConalogue’s support package is worth €20,000 per farmer and will be paid out to all finisher pig farmers who are members of the Bord Bia quality assurance scheme. This is an urgent, short-term response to assist producers that would be viable but for the extreme current circumstances and allow space for a more medium-term adjustment to market signals.” 

The pig sector is of significant importance to the national and rural economy. It is the third largest of the livestock sectors after dairy and beef. It accounts for 6.3% of the output value of the agri-food sector and generated exports valued at €930 million in 2021. The sector supports approximately 8,000 jobs. 

Scheme details 

The fund of €7 million will be distributed through a flat rate payment of a maximum of €20,000 per individual commercial pig farmer sending more than 200 pigs per annum to slaughter.  Further details on terms and conditions will be available shortly.  Applicants should contact pigscheme@agriculture.gov.ie immediately to provide their contact details, and for further information on how to apply. 

ENDS

22 February 2022