News Pigs
European Union: No support, adjust production
Pig farmers in Europe should not expect support from Brussels. This was urged in a Belgian request, endorsed by eighteen EU countries. Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski does not think this is wise, however. The committee warns producers against a long period of overproduction.
According to the countries pushing for support, the pork market is in a 'dramatic' situation. The prices for pigs would not have been this low in at least ten years. The reasons cited are: the considerably reduced pork consumption 'outside the door', the export problems that arose after the discovery of African swine fever in Germany and the loss of demand for pork from China.
Not sustaining overproduction
Wojciechowski rejected the application, pointing out the negative consequences that economic aid can have. According to him, the overproduction as it is now taking place can be maintained undesirably longer. For example, according to the agricultural commissioner, storing pork can send the wrong signal to the market, is counterproductive in the longer term and costs taxpayers a lot of money.
According to Wojciechowski, a 'market adjustment' is necessary. He indicated that, until recently, pig production by producers themselves was still ramping up despite the difficult circumstances. Market support could lead to an even longer period of overproduction. He therefore feels more in favor of tailor-made support, national or regional, to relieve the sector where possible.
Steve Wissink
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