German Pig Farmers Threaten Protests if Pork Prices Fall Further
German farm organisations warn of falling pig prices and do not rule out new protests at slaughterhouses and retailers. They demand fairer supply contracts and more predictable prices.
Pig farmers in Germany are facing low producer prices, and farm organisations warn that new tractor protests may follow unless concrete steps are taken. The farming outlet agrarheute reported on 3 November that the warnings come from the Westphalia-Lippe Farmers' Association (WLV), Landvolk Niedersachsen, the farmers' association of Lower Saxony, and the ISN, the interest group of German pig farmers.
Protests at slaughterhouses and retailers
WLV president Hubertus Beringmeier, who keeps pigs himself, said that whoever tries to push the price down next, whether a slaughterhouse, a food retailer or the out-of-home catering sector, would receive a visit from farmers. He said that if the price falls below 1.32 euros, farmers would drive their tractors to company sites. According to what he has heard, a level of 1.20 euros is being targeted in some places. Beringmeier stressed that the protests would be peaceful but determined.
Why prices are squeezing producers
ISN managing director Dr Torsten Staack believes many farms have already passed their economic limit. The organisation links the price pressure to competition from foreign suppliers. He criticises slaughter companies and meat buyers for passing lower market prices on to farms, even though German producers must meet demanding animal welfare and housing requirements.
The ISN is calling for three measures:
- fair supply contracts with binding minimum standards, so that buyers cannot abruptly cut agreed volumes;
- more predictable prices through new pricing models;
- an economically viable base price that reflects higher requirements and the different marketing routes.
Talks with Tönnies
Last week, a sector dialogue with businessman Clemens Tönnies took place at the producer group in Lorup. Participants discussed longer-term pricing models, such as quarterly, half-year or annual prices. Group manager Stephan Tiaden said there are no concrete results yet, but another meeting is due this week and he is optimistic.
