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Pig farmers feel the pinch
14 Jan 2008
Australian pig farmers are deserting the industry in the face of record imports of processed pork products such as ham and bacon. Over 2007 imports increased by 40 per cent and now account for 64 per cent of the whole processed pork market. Local producers are estimated to be losing around $50 per pig due to higher grain prices and competition from cheap imports. The 300,000 breeding sows were slashed by 30,000 last year and a survey of pig farmers found that 27 per cent were planning to leave the industry. The only sector of the industry that is performing is the organic, free-range sector where demand is increasing.
The Australian, 14/1/2008
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