Italy: meeting of the Pig Sector National Board

According to what has been published by the Ministry of Agriculture of Spain in its Foreing News Gazette, the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies of Italy informed that last July 14th, the Pig Sector National Board held a meeting.

During the meeting, the Minister, Mr. Martina, reported on the Ministry's actions for supporting the national pig herd production, specially:

• The confirmation of the compensation of the VAT for pork also in 2017.
• A prolongation and simplification of the extension of the farmer's debts, with the direct payment of the interests of the sustained loans.
• The creation of a single national brand for the quality regimes that also helps to increase the value of the Italian pork cuts not used for the production of Designation of Origin hams.
• he support to the exports through the strengthening of the diplomatic action for the elimination of the health barriers starting with the Chinese market.
• The carrying out of communication and promotion campaigns in support of all the national pig system.

Main data of the sector:

• The production value is €3 billion,
• The value of the cured sausages and processed products industry invoicing is €8 billion.
• The number of pig farmers is 25,000,
• The number of pig heads is 8 million.