Farmers 'urgent for margins to improve' as NI approves China pork deal

The Ulster Farmers’ Union has described as 'welcome news' the decision by the Chinese Certification Agency (CNCA) to approve Northern Ireland pork for export to China.

Export opportunities will now be open to our two main pork processing plants here as soon as they complete some remedial actions following the audits.

Commenting UFU deputy president and County Armagh pig producer, Ivor Ferguson, said: “The decision is the outcome of several years of negotiations with the CNCA. We commend all those involved in the hard work to gain access to what will soon be the world’s biggest market for pigmeat,” he said, adding that he was hopeful the necessary work in processing plants would be completed soon, allowing farmers to benefit from improved returns.

“These new export opportunities represent a major boost to the local pork industry. They are particularly welcome when volatility caused by a number of factors, but mainly the Russian import ban, has hit prices. Farmers urgently need to see margins improve and part of the solution is speedier access to new export markets,” said Mr Ferguson.

He added that the opening of the Chinese market sends an important signal to others about the quality of pigmeat produced here. “We would now encourage DARD to continue to press for approval for other products including pig trotters, as this will add further value from each pig for both producers and processors,” he said.