July 31, 2014

Northern Ireland pig farmers may benefit from lenient export conditions to Singapore

Pig farmers in Northern Ireland may benefit profit-wise if there's a loosening of export conditions on pork products from the country to Singapore.

Pork exports had been limited by a clause of origin which only permitted the export of meat sourced from animals born in Northern Ireland.

Renegotiations have opened this market to meat from animals sourced from across the island of Ireland including those which were born in the Republic but reared by farmers in Northern Ireland.

Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill said that as a result, Singapore has agreed to accept meat from all animals reared and processed in the region, which follows a similar move on beef and pork exports to South Africa.

"We have been able to capitalise on the successful inward inspection by Singaporean officials in July 2013," O'Neill said. "They were highly impressed with our beef production standards and as a result, were willing to renegotiate the currently agreed pork certificate in light of this. This good news is of benefit to our farmers and processors alike and I hope, in the coming months, to be able to announce even more new market opportunities.

Robert Overend of Deerpark Pedigree Pigs in Bellaghy, Co Londonderry, said the relaxation could open doors to the lucrative Chinese market.

"A lot of these relaxations have come about because of an outbreak of disease in US pig herds," he said. "This means that other countries, including ourselves, have been able to get a foothold in the export market. Singapore is a big market and China would be huge as they would buy a lot of the parts of pig which we do not consume, like the head, ears, tail and intestines.