March 21, 2022

New aid scheme for Ireland's pig producers announced

Ireland has announced an €7 million (US$7.7 million) aid scheme for local pig producers.

The fund will be distributed through a one-time payment of a maximum of €20,000 (US$22,090) per commercial farmer slaughtering more than 200 pigs per year, according to information published by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture in its foreign news bulletin.

The Irish Food Board, or Bord Bia, has intensified measures to promote quality-assured Irish pork in domestic and export markets, with advertising campaigns on television, radio and national print media, planned for the first quarter of 2022.

The swine industry is of great importance to Ireland's national and rural economy. It is the third-largest livestock sector after dairy and beef. It accounts for 6.3% of the value of agri-food production, generated exports worth €930 million (US$1 billion) in 2021, and supports approximately 8,000 jobs.

- MAPA-Foreign News (Spain)