Farmers have warned that the industry, which provides 7,000 jobs countrywide, is facing wipe-out due to crippling feed costs and consumer confusion over the origin of pig meat.

A management committee meeting of the European Commission decided last week not to increase export refunds for fresh and frozen pig meat at this time.

Ms Coughlan, speaking in Clonakilty, Co Cork, at the weekend, said she would be raising the issue with her ministerial colleagues at today’s council meeting and will also be speaking with French representatives.

Earlier, she said she was providing additional funding to Bord Bia to carry out an enhanced programme of pig meat promotion on the home and export markets to help maintain a firmer market for pork and bacon.

Ms Coughlan said she was also working with the Minister for Health and Children on draft legislation that will require the country of origin to be shown on pig meat and other meats.

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