The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) is urging retailers promote Bord Bia Quality Assured Irish pig produce and support Irish farmers.
IFA president Tim Cullinan said with Christmas approaching, it is essential that Quality Assured hams are available.
Mr Cullinan urged retailers not to discount ham at a time when there is high demand among consumers.
He believes a substantial price increase from retailers should be passed back through processors to farmers to cover the rising feed costs.
“Farmers are concerned about increased costs of production over the past 12 months, and the volume of imported pigmeat on shelves across the country,” he said.
Some pig farmers are reporting an unsustainable net loss of €45/kg/pig, according to IFA Pig Committee chairman Roy Gallie.
Mr Gallie confirmed there had been a feed cost increase of 30c/kg feed cost and pointed out that all other major costs including electricity, gas and oil, labour and transport are rising too.
“Farming is a business activity, and pig farmers will not stay in operation unless they can make a profit,” he added.
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