President of the Interprofessional of the Pig of Capa Blanca (INTERPORC), Manuel García, assured that “the farms, transporters and industries of the pig sector will maintain their activity within the State of Alarm because our first commitment to the consumer is to ensure their supply even in difficult situations”.
“We are facing exceptional circumstances in which the men and women who work in the pig sector are aware that their role is of high importance in bringing meat and processed products to consumers that allow Spanish families to maintain their eating routines.”
Spain has been badly hit by the virus, with 491 deaths caused by it at time of writing (17 March). The country has closed its borders to cars from neighbouring countries.
García said that "this is a great challenge for everyone, and all pig companies are implementing contingency plans to protect their workers, prevent risky situations following the guidelines recommended by the health authorities and maintain activity in all the links of the production chain”.
He highlighted the strategic importance of the pig sector in Spain, saying it represents 39% of the final livestock production and 9.5% of the industrial production of the country. The sector has 86,000 farms and more than 2,000 sites that process more than 4.6 million tons of meat and processed products.
García added that “Spanish pork products are the ones with the greatest demand in the meat segment among Spanish consumers and are part of the usual diet for families” and “that is why it is essential to maintain the activity and supply retailers and large distributors”.
