Allister comments on Stevenson & Company closure
10 October 2008
“The closure of Stevenson & Co is bound to have a significant impact on the local pork industry. The exiting of one of the few remaining major pigmeat processors is further evidence of the difficulties the local pig sector finds itself in.”
“This industry has been waiting on Government assistance for some time now, but to little avail. In the Republic, 40% grant aid up to a maximum expenditure of 300,000 Euros per holding has been made available for sow housing. Here, the Executive is only committing a maximum of just £5000 aid per holding, to assist producers.”
“Indeed, it would seem DARD’s priorities centre on offloading costs to producers and processors, evidenced by its current cost and responsibility sharing proposals, rather than in ensuring jobs within agriculture are safeguarded.”
ENDS
