February 22, 2021

 
EU pig industry showing signs of recovery, according to commissioner's letter 

European Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski has sent an official letter to ministers of agriculture in EU member states confirming that the pig sector is showing signs of recovery.

According to the commissioner, the EU pig industry has stabilised showing some signs of recovery with prices that have remained stable in recent weeks, despite pressure exerted by COVID, export restrictions due to ASF in some member states and the seasonal drop in demand.

Both the increase in piglet prices - which points to an improvement in market conditions - and the decrease in the backlog of pigs awaiting slaughter, along with the decrease in slaughter weights, are positive signs.

However, Wojciechowski also indicated in his letter that the situation is not the same across the different member states and is particularly difficult in the states affected by ASF.

Another challenge facing the European pig sector is that it is not homogeneous. Intervention in the pork market must be considered carefully and in a way that does not lead to adverse effects.

Wojciechowski admits that, despite the positive signals observed in recent weeks, time is needed to fully assess the impact of this positive trend.

According to the commissioner, the situation in the EU pig industry is somewhat uncertain, especially with the ongoing pandemic and restrictions on the food sector.

- Pig333