Spanish pig sector looks to export. Miguel Ángel Higuera
Spanish pig sector supporting an unprecedented crisis since the problem lies not only in a mismatch between supply and demand, but is also accompanied by a decline in the value of products produced what is originated.
The solution is not easy especially in the case of the European pig sector is not subject to grants from the European Common Agricultural Policy and also have to face the world globalization of the pig sector, weighed down by a production model that brings him superior in both product quality and production quality differentiation, but hardly get that price differentiation via third countries. The comprehensive quality control, animal welfare at all stages of production, environmental protection, non-use of animal protein in feed for pigs and limiting the use of genetically modified events make costs European production of the product and therefore the Spanish are, on average, 20% above the rest of the field where the rules of protection of animals or the environment are practically nonexistent.
Since the European Union, the alternatives proposed to solve the crisis in the pig are fruitless and nothing creative to allow the pig farmer see light at the end of the tunnel. The private storage measure is not only delay the problem but on many occasions and depending on how you run, counterproductive to the farmer.
Therefore, the only coherent solution is to boost exports and to value the positive differentiation of Spanish pig sector continuing the work already being done. In 2015, exports of pig sector amounted to 4,087.19 million euros, representing an increase of 8.41% compared to 2014 and 22.58% higher than in 2013. As for 2014, increased in 2015 meat and offal exports (10.35%) and processed meat (12.66%); while backed the fat, bacon and butter (-8.5%) and live animals (-15.9%).
The total volume of exports in 2015 was 1,725,000 tons of (73% in EU markets and 27% in non-EU markets), becoming one of the largest exporters only behind Germany, USA and the Netherlands, but ahead of Denmark, Canada, Brazil, Chile and Mexico.
The aim is to maintain and increase the export quota for consumers around the world can benefit from the differentiated quality of Spanish pig, backed by a production model that provides security, traceability and transparency well above other countries pig producers.
Miguel Angel Higuera. Director of the National Association of Producers of Pigs (ANPROGAPOR)
