Measures under way to boost pig farming
Ljubljana, 6 March - Although pork is the most popular type of meat among Slovenians, the country's pork self-sufficiency is below 40%. Due to low prices of the meat, pork producers are struggling. Agriculture Minister Aleksandra Pivec believes this calls for a new strategy.
Coming out of a meeting with pig farmers on Wednesday, Pivec said that pig farming was strategically important for Slovenia, given that Slovenians eat the most pork per inhabitant while the country imported most of this meat.
She said the strategy for the development of pig farming would be drawn up in cooperation with all stakeholders, including retailers, if possible.
The process will be led by the chamber of agricultural and food processing companies at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GZS) and the Agriculture Ministry will also take part, the minister said.
As of 2020, pork will also be included in the Selected Quality scheme, which guarantees additional control over breeding and transport, which is to raise the price of the meat.
Pivec said that now more than ever buyers were ready to pay more for quality meat.
Pig farmers agreed at today's meeting to have 20% of the pigs slaughtered in Slovenia bred in Slovenia in the first four years. The share is to raise to 60% in the next four years.
The new strategy is to lay out systemic measures to raise the country's pork self-sufficiency to at least 45-50%.