'Shrinkage in the sector leads to better pig prices'

After returning from vacation, POV chairman Linda Janssen sets out the agenda for the coming months: "I expect a 10% contraction in the pig sector, but it is now also time for pig farming to revitalize, through government policy instead of only shrinkage."

The issue of sedated castration could easily dominate the agenda in the coming months. Last week, Germany announced that it expects its largest suppliers of piglets, the Netherlands and Denmark, to work in the same way as in Germany, which will make full stunning from January 1, 2021 mandatory. The difference in cost price would certainly amount to €1,5 per piglet.

Is this a storm in a teacup or is the soup not eaten as hot as served?
"Consultation is certainly necessary. Until now, the starting point has always been that EU countries respect each other's methods. But apparently Germany now thinks differently. And make no mistake about it, the POV also wants to stop castration altogether in the long run. But the market has to be ready."

Speaking of animal welfare: how is the pig industry withstanding the unprecedented heat wave of the past few weeks?
"Last year the sweltering period started earlier, already in July. And we have learned a lot in a few years. I am proud of how much pig farmers have invested in heat stress prevention. There is now much more knowledge about adjusting the feeding regime and there is much more ventilation and cooling capacity compared to a few years ago."

And how is the transport to the slaughterhouse going?
"Significant steps have also been taken in this regard. The heat protocol has been tightened up in consultation with the minister and chain partners such as Livestock & Logistics. Conditioned wagons unload later than open wagons, to give an example. And of course, deliveries are not made in the hottest part of the day. "Transport also goes well on the road. At least, we are not aware of any problem cases so far. Piglet transport, especially over longer distances, is jeopardized at temperatures of 35 degrees."

Is the unprecedented heat wave contributing to the debate that prices have fallen sharply?
"That hardly plays a role. The corona infections in the slaughterhouses have set the price fall in motion. Fortunately, it is now stabilizing again. Initially, the pig market seemed to respond surprisingly well to the corona pandemic. But now China is using it in trade policy. you again, on how many aspects the price formation of China depends. As long as the Chinese forbid Western European slaughterhouses to export, the price level before the corona crisis will not return. But nevertheless I am optimistic."

Really and truly? But there are indications that the greatest impact of the African swine fever is behind us and the Chinese pig herd is growing again?
"My optimism is mainly related to the declining supply in the Netherlands and the better positioning of our Dutch pig and pork. Until now, a shrinkage of 8% was assumed as a result of the warm remediation of pig farming. But the shrinkage will probably become 10% because the government has reserved an extra budget. We call from the start that the government should not exaggerate the enthusiasm. It will soon become clear whether companies will actually participate. Now is the time for the signatures.

From now on it is also the time for the government to tackle part two of the pig farming vitalization plan instead of just talking about shrinkage and taking nitrogen space. Stimulate innovation, export and trade. Promotion of the Holland Pig is a promising initiative, in which the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality also plays an important role."

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