Pig farmers maintain that they are currently losing €2-3 per pig.

The farmers claim that the situation is deteriorating with each increase in the cost of feed.

With compounders indicating that feed prices could rise by €20-30/t from September 1, IFA pig committee vice-chairman, Tim Cullinan claimed that pig production costs would increase by a further 8c-13c/kg.

"From September, production costs are likely to be close to €1.50/kg deadweight.

"Food prices will need to increase dramatically if farmers are to remain in production, as the current price being paid for a kilo of pigmeat is €1.38 on average," Mr Cullinan pointed out.

Referring to the sale of non-Irish pigmeat by some major retailers, Mr Cullinan insisted that products using Irish pigmeat should carry the Bord Bia quality assurance scheme logo.