Aid measures for German pig farmers

German agriculture minister Julia Klöckner will offer support to pig farmers, who have found themselves in dire straits as a result of the African swine fever (ASF), if the situation worsens. This in the form of financing private storage costs and liquidity programs.

There is great tension on the German pig market now that AVP has been introduced. International pig exports have been shut down and pig farms in the affected area are no longer allowed to move pigs. As a result, pig farmers are in dire straits. "We are not leaving the farmers alone," assures Klöckner.

If the situation worsens further, Klöckner says he will offer financial help. This in the form of financing private parties for the storage costs of pork and offering direct financial assistance to pig farmers. The aid for private storage is, in its view, a way of counteracting market distortions. In addition, the minister is looking at possible liquidity support. "A joint effort is needed to face the crisis," said the agriculture minister.

Export ban still in effect
The attempt to lift the ban on exporting German pork to markets outside Europe was unsuccessful. Klöckner has failed to reach a regionalization agreement with China. The spokesman for the liberals in agricultural policy, Gero Hocker, even accused the agriculture minister of negligence.

Chanti Oussoren

Editor at Boerenbusiness who studies the dairy, pig (meat) and feed markets.

c.oussoren@boerenbusiness. Nl

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