Pig farmers are frustrated with the lack of progress in dealing with the difficult financial situation

IFA met with Tesco and Rosderra last night as part of its campaign to push through price increases for pig farmers.

Meanwhile, the IFA said a protest at Hilton Foods outside Drogheda has been suspended while talks continue.

IFA said Tesco has committed to come up with a proposal on Monday that will bring farmers a higher price.

It comes as IFA Pig Committee chairman Roy Gallie said the situation was critical amid losses on farms. He said farmers were determined to continue the campaign.

“They are absolutely frustrated and angry at the lack of progress in addressing the dire financial situation on the farms. Although we have emphasized this in recent months, we now understand that significant price increases have been passed on from the retailer to the primary processors,” he said.

He said factories must immediately pay farmers a substantial price increase to alleviate the severe cash losses at farm level.

The IFA campaign is aiming for a pig price of €2/kg by June 1st.