September 22, 2008

Austria's pig production this year is expected to be 2-percent lower from 2007, and it is estimated to fall further in the first half of 2009, according to the Austrian Ministry of Agriculture.

Domestic production in the third quarter of 2008 fell 2.3 percent on-year and production for the fourth quarter is projected to drop 4.1 percent on-year.

Austria's total pig population is estimated at 4.78 million pigs, down 2 percent on-year. Pig population is expected to fall 4.6 percent on-year in the first quarter of 2009, while an on-year decrease of 2.3 percent is forecast for the second quarter.

In addition, Austrian pig prices rose to EUR 1.54 per kg in the first quarter and EUR 1.54 per kg in the second quarter, up from EUR 1.33 per kg in 2007. Consumer prices for pork have also increased in the first half of 2008 by 2.1-3.4 percent, depending on cuts.