Business · Energy & Commodities · 10 hrs ago
German pig farmers call for action as pork prices fall
German pig farmers are calling for action as the price paid for slaughter-weight pigs falls.
The price has dropped by 8 cents to €1.32 per kilogram, while farmers say they need at least €2.20 to operate economically.
The Landvolk farmers’ association, the German Pig Farmers’ Interest Group and the Westphalia-Lippe farmers’ association say farms are under growing financial strain.
They blame a ruinous price competition that leaves producers receiving world-market prices despite being expected to meet high standards.
The groups want politicians, large slaughter companies and the food service sector to respond, including by advancing planned changes to livestock labeling and using more German pork in restaurants and public canteens.
Protest actions are possible if politicians and other market participants do not act.
German pig farmers are urging politicians and meat processors to act as the slaughter price falls to €1.32 per kilogram.
The Landvolk association said the price had dropped by another 8 cents per kilogram.
Farmers say they need at least €2.20 per kilogram to operate economically.
Industry groups warn that farms face increasingly tight cash flow and a ruinous price competition.
They said protests could be considered if politicians and market participants do not act.
- Who
- German pig farmers and their industry groups, including Landvolk, ISN and WLV.
- What
- They are calling on politicians and slaughter companies to address falling pork prices. Industry groups said protests could be considered if there is no action.
- When
- The article was published on 30 October 2026; the price had recently fallen by another 8 cents per kilogram.
- Where
- Germany, with pork production concentrated in North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony.
- Why
- The slaughter price fell to €1.32 per kilogram, while farmers say they need at least €2.20 to operate economically.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Current slaughter price
- €1.32 per kilogram
- Recent price change
- Down 8 cents per kilogram
- Price farmers say they need
- At least €2.20 per kilogram
- Production centres
- North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony
- Publication date
- 30 October 2026
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What people are saying
The money is running through the farms’ hands. Liquidity is getting tighter and tighter. This cannot go on!
This shows how the balance of power in the pork value chain stands.
No one would think of paying the price of an imported small car for a German luxury car.