According to experts from the Wielkopolska Chamber of Agriculture, the development of pig production would be a great way to use the surplus of cereals produced in our country. For this to happen, however, it is necessary to develop an effective program for rebuilding the pig population.
According to WIR analysts, currently the economic result generated by cereal production is negative for virtually every species. As proof, specialists quote their calculations: they show that a farmer loses over PLN 1,100 on growing one hectare of wheat. Even greater losses concern barley (-PLN 1,676/ha) and corn (-PLN 3,114.47/ha).
At the same time, two unfavorable trends are emerging: on the one hand, the area and production of cereals are increasing, and at the same time the number of farm animals (especially pigs) is reducing. This state of affairs forces the domestic sector to export grain at unattractive prices.
In this situation, the only solution is to support the development of animal production, especially pigs, which will allow the use of surplus cereals. Moreover, animal production is a source of valuable organic fertilizers – manure and slurry, which, given the poor quality of soil and high fertilizer prices, may be essential for maintaining the financial liquidity of farms.
What does it take to improve pig production?
As experts comment, in order for pig production to recover, it is necessary to develop and implement a pig herd reconstruction program, which will allow for regaining the domestic market.
The previous authorities of the Ministry focused mainly on the elements of such a program in the form of subsidies for loans, loans and in the form of subsidies for new investments in the construction of sow sheds. This topic was recently discussed at the meeting of the WIR Animal Production Committee. In the Commission’s opinion, these actions are far from sufficient – comment the representatives of the Chamber.
Postulates of the Greater Poland Chamber of Agriculture
The Wielkopolska Chamber of Agriculture calls for the extension of the pig population reconstruction strategy to include the following elements.
- guarantees of compensation for farmers who, through no fault of their own, found themselves in ASF red zones,
- continuation of subsidies for born piglets for a period of 5 years, which will create a minimum, stable perspective for breeders,
- making the management of ASF zones more flexible by limiting their temporal and territorial scope,
- supporting breeding programs that will allow Polish producers to achieve production and economic results similar to those of producers from Denmark or the Netherlands,
- taxation of hotel fattening rooms,
- entering into talks with retail chains in order to reduce the price pressure on pork and its products, which is devastating for farmers and consumers,
- facilitations for pig breeders when using the “Animal welfare” eco-scheme.
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