May 26, 2009
Italy seeks gov't assistance for ailing pig sector
The Italian Ministry of Agriculture (MA) has proposed significant government assistance for the country's pig breeders, with the aim of a "strategic revamp" of the ailing sector.
The MA is hoping to launch the plan by July 2009, with Brussels already reviewing the proposals which includes a plan to automate all regional slaughter structures that process more than 7 million animals each year.
According to the Italian Pig Breeders Association (ANAS), pig production in 2008 increased by 0.5 percent to 12,882,000 head, while imports of live swine in 2009 decreased by 40 percent, or 32,000 tonnes from 2007 levels.
Italy's pig sector produces 9.3 millions animals annually, worth EUR2.3 billion.
Italy has not enacted any new trade regulations for swine, pork, or pork products as a result of the AH1N1 flu outbreak.
Consumption of pork has however declined by an estimated 8-10 percent and prices have fallen 5 percent to less than EUR1 per kilogramme.
US$1 = EUR0.715 (May 26)
