Pig farmers lash out at retailers

The Irish Farmers' Association has accused retailers such as Dunnes Stores and other retailers of killing the Irish pig industry by using pig meat as a loss leader to stimulate profits.

The association says that supermarkets have corned the pig industry, choking the livelihoods of producers, by selling pork at prices well below cost price.

At a protest by pig farmers outside the Dunnes Stores head office in Dublin, IFA president Padraig Walshe said pork, bacon and ham are being used by retailers as a loss leader to attract customers in an ongoing battle over market share.

He commented further that Irish pig producers are losing over €25 per pig and have been making losses on every pig sold for the last eight months. Some losses have amounted up to €100,000 and the industry is facing bankruptcy.

He concluded that there is a massive abuse of power by retailers in the food chain.

Related website:

â€¢ Irish Farmers' Association

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Editor PigProgress