"Pig prices are slowly starting to improve," added Robert Overend, who is also chairman of the Ulster Pork and Bacon Forum.
"The continuing fall in pig numbers throughout Europe is, at long last, starting to have a beneficial impact on producer returns. But we still have a long way to go yet."
Robert Overend indicated that local pig farmers need to receive 126 pence per kilo for their pigs in order to break even.
"But at least there is now some light at the end of the tunnel. Those producers who have remained committed to the industry need a reasonable price for their pigs for a sustained period of time," stressed the Forum chairman.
"And one way of achieving this is for local consumers to put more Ulster pork and bacon products into their shopping trolleys.
"Food security is another important issue. We are an island nation and local consumers must never lose sight of the fact that they need a vibrant pig industry on their doorsteps.
"But given the significant losses incurred by pig farmers in Northern Ireland over recent months, it remains touch and go as to whether they will all be able to stay in business."
Another factor now helping to improve the economics of pig production is the growing economic value of slurry as a fertiliser.
"A standard tanker load is now worth £35," confirmed Robert Overend.
"Pig slurry is a particularly valuable fertiliser source on first cut silage ground. So yes there are genuine signs of hope for the pig industry at the present time. But it's crucially important for processers to reflect the strengthening market for pork and bacon products down the line to farmers as quickly as possible.''