Lower pork output may force Finnish companies to import

Production of pork will fall by almost 50 million kilogrammes or about one fifth from the present, in Finland in the next two years, and this poses a threat to the future of meat companies.

The fall in production is due to subsidy policies and a high-cost structure, among other things.

The forecasts concerning meat production will also impact investment decisions in the sector. According to Atria, producers have lost interest in pork production because of continuous talk of pork overproduction.

In 2009, a total of 206 million kilogrammes of pork was produced in Finland, compared to 220 million kilogrammes in 2008.

On the basis of the first few months of 2010, it seems production in 2010 will remain at 180 million kilogrammes. According to forecasts, production may soon fall to about 170 million kilogrammes. Pork consumption totals 180-190 million kilogrammes, meaning that meat companies will soon be forced to import meat.