Chairman of the UFU's Pork & Bacon Policy Committee, Raymond Pogue, has welcomed proposals in Brussels for the introduction of EU export refunds for pigmeat.

Mr Pogue said that pigmeat production costs have risen dramatically over the past few months, primarily due to huge increases in feed costs. "At the same time producer prices have already decreased by 6p/kg, with a further 2p/kg reduction this week. This position is simply unsustainable and we have been pressing for the introduction of EU export refunds to help the European pig market,£ he added.

Commenting on the EU's role within the crisis, UFU Chief Executive Clarke Black, said that although the Commission had introduced Aids to Private Storage (APS) for 100,000 tonnes of pigmeat in October the crisis has deepened.

He said that around 85,000 tonnes have been requested, but this has not stabilised prices. The introduction of export refunds for carcases, cuts and bellies is very welcome move and should bring some relief.

The proposal will be presented to the EU Management Committee on Thursday. Refunds would be payable for exports to all destinations. At the same time, the Commission will suspend the Private Storage Aid scheme set up last month.

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