On Wednesday 30 August, the European Commission outlined ideas on how to better support the pigmeat sector, including better cooperation between producer organisations, the development of the organic sector and the use of bio-waste.
At the end of January, the EU pigmeat think tank presented its recommendations for a more sustainable pigmeat sector. The Agriculture Council discussed the issue in March, and the European Commission has been asked to make proposals in a number of areas.
During a debate in the European Parliament’s Committee on Agriculture on the future of the pig sector, the Commission’s representative called on EU Member States to make use of the support available, in particular the support offered by the strategic plans implementing the Common Agricultural Policy. The Commission pointed out that, unlike poultry producers, the pig sector cannot benefit from coupled support, as “the pig sector already benefits from public support through the cereals that pigs eat”. The Commission felt that the pig sector needed to restructure and better promote its products.
The Commission also considered that organic production was “one possibility for developing a competitive sector”. Better cooperation between breeders should enable them “to join together, speak with one voice and better organise the sale of products and generate more attractive prices in the value chain”, according to the Commission.
The Commission supports better recycling through effluent treatment. These can be used in the EU if they comply with the limit of 170 kg of nitrogen per hectare. The Commission is considering how best to promote the circular use of bio-waste as part of the review of the Nitrates Directive. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)