This was the main thrust of the claim made to Farming Life earlier this week by representatives from the recently established Foyle Food Group Pig Division. Already processing 1,800 pigs per week at Lisahally, for delivery into the British market, the new business has additional slots available more pigs. But these are limited!
"Foyle initially started slaughtering pigs on a contract basis for the Lanax group last August," confirmed spokesperson Paul Gilmore.
"This has since developed into a full contract arrangement between the producers and the Cranswick Group in Great Britain, through which the full DAPP price is a guaranteed to farmers on the basis of a rolling supply agreement. Local pig producers have been calling for the DAPP price to be made available in Northern Ireland. We have succeeded in making this reality!"
Paul Gilmore is aware that other pig processers have lifted their producer prices over recent weeks.
"This is a direct result of our entry into the market. And we are here to stay. Our commitment to deliver the DAPP standard on an ongoing basis is a genuine one. We can kill an additional 2,000 pigs per week at Lisahally and are keen to speak to more producers about setting up new supply contracts," he added.
"There is now genuine competition for pigs in Northern Ireland. Our entry into the market represents a win:win situation for producers. We have stepped up to the plate in response to farmer requests for a better pig price.
"And we are committed to talking to pig farmers in Northern Ireland on that basis."
A fortnight ago Farming Life highlighted the calls of leading pig producer Trevor Shields for processers to pay local farmers the full British price for their pigs. Commenting on this week's news from Foyle he confirmed that greater competition for locally produced pigs is a good thing.
"Producers should consider all options available to them when it comes to getting the best possible price for their pigs," he added.
"Farmer prices are on the rise. And that's a good thing, given the significant losses incurred by pig producers over many months. There's little doubt that the general pig market is reacting to the shortfall in supply that now exists."