Higher research levy for Irish pig producers

As from this Wednesday, Irish pig producers will contribute a 40% higher statutory pigmeat levy to the Irish Food Board (Bord Bia). The extra funds will be allocated to the Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority (Teagasc).

The levy will increase from €0.25/kg to €0.35/kg per pig slaughtered. The food board explained that the additional funds will be used for technical research and advisory programmes. The food board pointed out that the current levy of €0.25 per pig slaughtered or exported only covers its promotion and marketing activities.

In a recent letter to producers, the food board said: “The purpose of the increase in levy is to fund, for an initial period of 5 years, the provision of technical support through knowledge transfer and education, provided by the National Agricultural and Training Authority Teagasc to primary pig producers and geared towards improving the efficiency and professionalism of primary producers in the pig sector and, thus, improving the long-term viability of the sector. The funding of the programme has been the subject of consultations with farmer representatives, who specifically requested a statutory levy rather than a voluntary levy administered by the industry.”