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The European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Janusz Wojciechowski, has sent an official letter to the different Ministers of Agriculture of the European Union in which he reports on the current situation of the pig sector.
According to the Commissioner, the pig sector has stabilized showing some signs of recovery with prices that have remained stable in recent weeks, despite pressure exerted by COVID, export restrictions due to ASF in some member states, and the seasonal drop in demand. Both the increase in piglet prices, which points to an improvement in market conditions and the decrease in the backlog of pigs awaiting slaughter along with the decrease in slaughter weights are positive signs.
The Commissioner also indicates in his letter that the situation is not the same across the different member states and is particularly difficult in the states affected by ASF. The fight against this disease must remain a priority both at the level of the individual member states and at the EU level, and efforts must be made to ensure that the EU's various trading partners eventually accept regionalization.
Another challenge facing the European pig sector is that it is not homogeneous and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Intervention in the pork market must be considered carefully and in a way that does not lead to adverse effects.
The Commissioner admits that despite the positive signals observed in recent weeks, time is needed to fully assess the impact of this positive trend.
According to Wojciechowski, the situation is sensitive and carries many uncertainties, especially because of the situation created by COVID and the restrictions on the food sector, so the Commission will continue to closely follow the market development.
February 15, 2021/ Janusz Wojciechowski-Twitter.
