Estonian Government and Agencies Respond to African Swine Fever but Seek Additional Funds

Strategic Insights -

The Estonian government and various agencies have responded promptly to the African swine fever (ASF) outbreak, but the chairman of the Rural Affairs Committee, Urmas Kruuse, emphasized the need to find additional funds to restore the pig farming sector. The sector is experiencing an existential crisis, with 20% of Estonian pigs having been killed or scheduled to be killed. This has resulted in a two-year gap in Estonian pork production and an estimated loss of 41.5 million euros to the sales sector.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Estonian government and agencies have responded promptly to the African swine fever (ASF) outbreak, but additional funds are needed to restore the pig farming sector.
  • 20% of Estonian pigs have been killed or scheduled to be killed, resulting in an existential crisis for the pig farming sector.
  • At least 24,000 fattening pigs will not be produced, and it will take a minimum of two years to restore the population.
  • The sector is currently facing a two-year gap in Estonian pork production.
  • Experts estimate that the loss to the sales sector is in the order of 41.5 million euros.
  • Urmas Kruuse, chairman of the Rural Affairs Committee, emphasized the need to find additional funds both domestically and from the European Union.
  • Ants-Hannes Viira, head of agricultural policy at the Estonian Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce, highlighted the strategic importance of the pig farming sector.

Statistics:

  • 20% of Estonian pigs have been killed or scheduled to be killed.
  • At least 24,000 fattening pigs will not be produced.
  • It will take a minimum of two years to restore the population.
  • The estimated loss to the sales sector is 41.5 million euros.
  • The current response to ASF is a various agencies.

Sources:

  • "Estonian Government and Agencies Respond to African Swine Fever but Seek Additional Funds". (2023). The Baltic Times, February 10, 2023.
  • Estonian Government Press Release, 2023. "Urmas Kruuse's statement on African Swine Fever".