Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1564: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the benefits arising from the aid for private storage scheme and refunds for fresh and frozen pig meat products approved by the E.U. Commission in November, 2007; the further benefits it has brought to the pig industry; and if he will identify the beneficiaries under these schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29944/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Aids to Private Storage Scheme was in place during November 2007 and export refunds were available from December 2007 to August 2008. During this time the average price paid to pig producers in the EU increased from €130 to €174/100 kgs. The corresponding increase in Ireland was from €138 to €158.

The ultimate beneficiaries of these schemes were pig farmers throughout the EU as evidenced by the above figures. The schemes had the effect of stemming the severe losses arising from exceptionally high feed costs and restoring profitability to the industry. Feed prices have now eased somewhat. The actual recipients of monies were exporters in the case of refunds and owners of the meat in the case of Aids to Private Storage.