China approves import of breeding pigs from Ireland

 CHINA has allowed the import of breeding pigs from Ireland, REUTERS reported on Tuesday. According to Irish Minister of Agriculture Charlie McConalog, this is a "major milestone" in gaining access to the Chinese market.

According to a notice posted on the website of the General Administration of Customs, breeding pigs must be quarantined in Ireland for at least 30 days prior to EXPORT. According to the notice, the approval went into effect on October 18, and it also sets out various HEALTH and hygiene requirements for exports.

Minister of State Martin Haydon told Euractiv that the agreement recognizes Ireland's long history of breeding and selling excellent health pigs to many overseas markets.

“The export of breeding pigs with economically important characteristics represents a market niche. This reflects well on the breeding stock developed by specialized Irish growers,” he told Euractiv.

However, not all stakeholders are happy about the opportunity to ship live pigs from Ireland to China, the article notes. Skeptics note concerns about animal welfare.

China, seeking to rebuild its herd that has been devastated by the deadly African swine fever (ASF) virus, last year began allowing imports of breeding pigs to meet growing demand from new farms. 

Pig prices in China fell in 2021 due to increased stocks and slaughter, resulting in large losses for corporate and small farmers. Meanwhile, China's sow herd fell in July, the first drop in two years as farmers shed inefficient animals, Reuters reported. The decline continued into August.