Minister visits Grampian Pork Cookstown

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA has visited the Grampian Country Pork Cookstown site.

The Minister was anxious to hear, at first hand, the difficulties the pig sector is facing in relation to high cereal prices.

The Minister said: “I am very encouraged to see the wide range of strongly branded pork and bacon products produced here at Cookstown. Grampian is an important part of the pig supply chain, serving customers in Ireland, Britain, Mainland Europe, Japan and theUSA’’.

Speaking about the price pressures under which the industry finds itself she commented: ‘‘The pig sector, as with all livestock sectors, is feeling the pain of the sharp increase in world cereal prices. While there is no quick-fix to resolve this situation it is essential that all supply chain partners work together to minimise the impact on our industry.’’

“I have no direct influence over retail prices but I do believe that I have a role to encourage and facilitate dialogue to increase understanding about the issues and to identify actions that can bring about improvements ’

A few weeks ago the Minister wrote to all the supermarkets and encouraged them to work with the industry in responding to current issues around cereal prices.

Notes to Editors:

1. The Minister visited Grampian Country Pork Ltd, Cookstown.
   
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