Moldovan PM, meat processors have discussion on situation in sector

The situation on the meat market of Moldova and how the activity of meat processors is affected because of the identification of two African swine fever outbreaks was discussed during a meeting at the government’s headquarters.

Prime Minister Dorin Recean said that this serious disease had affected not only   Moldova, but also the entire region. The authorities have taken all necessary measures to stop the spread of the virus and are analyzing how the economic impact of the outbreaks can be limited.

“The situation has hit both meat producers and processors. We do not want to discourage investments, but we also need to take care of the processors, make sure that they have enough raw materials, at reasonable prices. We should properly manage the situation, in order to prevent an increase in the prices of end products, ensuring competitiveness and fair competition,” the prime minister said.

The participants in the meeting considered ways to ensure the necessary volumes in the processing industry, taking into account the context of the Easter holidays. In this regard, meat and sausage producers stressed the need to diversify the sources for meat procurement. Another goal for the upcoming period is improving the keeping record of animal stock in farms and households and available statistical data, in order to correctly assess the situation in the sector.

The interlocutors also referred to policies for the restoration of animal stock in the coming years, noting the availability of several subsidy programs for the livestock sector.

We remind that two large African swine fever outbreaks have been identified at farms in the localities of Roscani, Anenii Noi district, and Cimiseni, Criuleni district. At both farms, the sick pigs are slaughtered, strictly following sanitary-veterinary norms, ensuring a risk-free process for both people and the environment.