The committee heard that prices for pig carcases in the EU27 have increased.

The EU27 average carcase price is around €142 per 100kg.

Piglet prices have also increased.

Average pig meat prices in Brazil are recovering and are now close to the prices in EU, the committee heard.

The United States has the lowest prices at €80 per 100 kilos.

The survey in December 2007 showed a decrease of 1.3 per cent of the total pig herd in the EU.

The committee was advised that to achieve higher prices producers should adapt to market needs, however, in terms of meat production pork is the highest followed by poultry and beef.

There were no proposals on export refunds.

There was an exchange of views in the committee on opening and providing for the administration of tariff quotas in the pig meat sector. A vote on this item will be taken at the next Management Committee meeting, which takes place on 17 April.

The committee unanimously approved the Pig Carcase Grading Protocols in Lithuania and Greece after a vote.

The Pig Carcase Grading Protocols in France will be discussed at the Beef Working Group Meeting on 7 May. The Draft Proposal will be discussed with pig experts.