European MBM bans could be good for UK pigs
By FWi staff
AS reported last week, more announcements of abattoir mergers and closures are forecast in the weeks ahead as live pig supplies continue to shrink.
Signet has reported that exports fell by 8% for the first six months of this year whereas imports rose by over 20% for the same period.
With the Euro pegged at 60p, the UK market will continue to struggle to compete with cheaper imports.
Domestic prices are 12-14p/kg ahead of French, Dutch and Danish quotes.
The recent decision by the French government to exclude all meat and bonemeal from pig feeds will add to their production costs.
If this pattern is repeated in other EU countries, it may lead to better trading prospects for the UK pig industry.
- Peter Crichton is a Suffolk-based pig farmer offering independent valuation and consultancy services to the UK pig industry
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