Dear readers,
Some good things happening in our industry:
- Through Farm Europe, 125 representative organizations from the livestock and meat sectors have issued a statement urging “the development of a comprehensive EU-level Food Strategy that supports the diversity of agricultural production, including livestock, mixed farming, and sustainable intensification methods that optimize resource efficiency without compromising food security or rural livelihoods”. They call on the European Commission to base its future food policy on the scientific method of experimentation, moving away from ideological approaches that have unintended consequences and risk undermining the competitiveness and resilience of the agri-food system.
- The construction of the new municipal slaughterhouse in Colmenar Viejo, Spain, will have a budget of €11.97 million. It was awarded by the Ministry of the Presidency, Justice, and Local Administration of the Community of Madrid within the Regional Investment Program of the Community of Madrid for the period 2022-2026.
- According to the Spanish Serrano Ham Consortium, a total of 60,845 tons of cured ham and shoulder were exported from Spain in 2024. This represents a 1.7% increase compared to 2023 and is lower than the 5% increase recorded in 2023 (59,850 tons) or the 7% increase in 2022 (57,026 tons). The value of exports increased by 11.7% to €734.6 million.
- The United Kingdom has recognized Germany’s regionalization with regard to foot-and-mouth disease for exports to the UK, the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) has announced. The closure of the British market due to the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in January had a particularly significant impact, as the UK was previously the largest buyer of German pork from third countries. Last year, around 123,000 tons of pork and by-products were shipped from Germany to the UK.
- The Canadian government has announced enhancements to the AgriStability program in response to China’s decision to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian exports of certain pork, fish, and seafood products. In 2025, the compensation rate under the AgriStability program will increase from 80% to 90%, and the payment cap will be doubled to $6 million CAD.
- Brazilian pork exports reached a record high in February, totaling 114.4 thousand tons, according to the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA).This represents a 17% increase compared to the same month in 2024, when exports stood at 97.8 thousand tons. Exports also brought in US$272.9 million in February 2025, a rise of 32.6% from the US$205.7 million generated in February 2024.
- The Canadian Premium Brands Holdings announced a deal last week for Peoria, Arizona-based premium sausage manufacturer Denmark Sausage for $21m US dollars.
- The total supply of beef, pork, chicken and turkey in the US cold storage at the end of February stood at 878 thousand tons, down 3.8% from last year and 10.3% below the five-year average, according to the USDA’s most recent data. Pork inventory was at 192 thousand tons—the lowest February level in 25 years. Belly stocks were 24% lower than last year.
- The incoming German government plans to grant a 20-year protection period for farms that adhere to higher animal welfare standards. Funding is to be secured through government contracts for stable conversions, while planned regulatory changes aim to balance environmental requirements with practical applications for the sector. Will this reverse the damage done by the “greens” to the sector?
- The VIETNAM EXPO is an annual international fair in Vietnam that takes place every April in Hanoi. Visitors and exhibitors meet on the VIETNAM EXPO on 4 days from Wednesday, 02.04.2025 to Saturday, 05.04.2025
- ThePHILIPPINE FOOD EXPO is a trade fair for the Philippine food and beverage industry. The expo takes place at the World Trade Center Metro Manila on 3 days from Friday, 04.04.2025 to Sunday, 06.04.2025.
Memories
The Trump administration’s tariff announcements change every day, making production planning impossible for the major market players. According to the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, about 30% of U.S. pork production currently is exported to consumers around the world, but specifications and labeling are largely different.
In Germany, under the new Animal Welfare Initiative (ITW) , from 1’-st of April 12.5% more space in the barn is now required, instead of the previous 10%. It can be one of the reasons for the strong increase in the German pig price.
After a fourth case of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), Slovak Minister of Agriculture declared a state of emergency. Meanwhile there are new cases declared in Hungary and Slovakia. Will the Est of Europe be able to Handle FMD as efficient as the Germans did?
The price table turned all green! I don’t remember when something like this happened lately. We need more such memories!
