The Irish pig price held this week after falling 4c/kg over the past two weeks. Farmers are now receiving quotes for this week ranging from €1.48c/kg up to €1.52 or €1.50 – €1.54/kg in cases. Margins are tightening for farmers at present as the cost of inputs are still on the rise. The labour shortage in some slaughtering & processing plants remains a huge concern for all in the sector as we approach the short week of the bank holiday weekend resulting in a day less to process pigmeat for slaughtering plants.
The urgency on issuing work permits for Non-EEA workers remains a priority to alleviate the pressure experienced as a result of the labour shortage. IFA met with the Department of Trade, Enterprise and Employment last week to discuss the issuing of permits and are expecting to have more clarity on this soon. This is critical at this point and the Minister responsible is fully aware of this.
