Slovakia: agri news and update ASF situation
According to preliminary data, agriculture in Slovakia recorded a profit before tax of €83 million in 2019, down by 19.9 percent compared to 2018. "The economic result was affected by a decline in production, which was reflected in a shortfall in revenues, which was not offset even by a slight increase in agricultural prices,"
Second outbreak of African Swine Fever confirmed in Kosice region
The presence of African swine fever (ASF) was confirmed by pig breeders in the village of Janik (Kosice region), thus becoming the second outbreak of the virus this year in Slovakia, the State Veterinary and Food Administration (SVPS) reported on Thursday August 6.
The first confirmed outbreak was recorded in July in the village of Cierna (also Kosice region).
Two pigs developed symptoms during August 1-2, when they rejected their food and didn't get up. "Subsequently, the pigs died. The summoned veterinarian doctors assessed the situation and health of the animals in the field, took samples and performed autopsies on the dead pigs," stated the SVPS on its website.
The national laboratory in Zvolen confirmed the presence of the virus and Kosice branch of SVPS adopted preliminary measures to contain the outbreak.
source: spectator.sk
Agriculture in Slovakia Decreased Profits by 19.9% to €83 mn in 2019
According to preliminary data, agriculture in Slovakia recorded a positive result for 2019, namely a profit before tax of €83 million, down by 19.9 percent compared to 2018, TASR learnt on Monday from the so-called green report of the Agriculture and Rural Development Ministry.
"The economic result was affected by a decline in production, which was reflected in a shortfall in revenues, which was not offset even by a slight increase in agricultural prices," said the Agriculture Ministry. In comparison with the five-year average of the 2014-18 period, the economic result in 2019 was lower as well, reads the report.
The Agriculture Ministry further said that subsidies played a decisive role in the economy, without which most agricultural enterprises would be loss-making. Almost 73 percent of the financial support for Slovak agriculture was provided from EU funds and only part of the expenditures was co-financed from Slovakia's state budget.
The share of total subsidies in revenues was 34.9 percent, while in direct payments it was 17.4 percent. Differences between the level of support for Slovak agriculture and the agriculture of the EU15 countries continued to exist.
According to the Agriculture Ministry's report, agricultural revenues in 2019 fell by 7.3 percent year-on-year to €2.812 billion, and costs dropped by 6.9 percent to €2.729 billion last year.
Source: TASR
30 pigs have been slaughtered due to African swine fever
Some 30 home bred pigs were preventively liquidated on Monday August 10 in the village of Janikov in the district of Kosice-surrounding (east of Slovakia). The reason is to prevent the spread of African swine fever. No living pig was left in the village.
Source: spectator.sk
Pork is cheaper just temporarily, African swine fever continues spreading
Slovakia, the situation with African swine fever has deteriorated since it occurred here one year ago; and although the figures are not dramatic, it contributed to high prices. The rise in prices has partially stopped in the recent months during the coronavirus pandemic; but it is expected to resume. The EU is the biggest producer of pork worldwide, exporting mostly to Asia, particularly China, where the African swine fever has been spreading uncontrollably, and where pork consumption is huge. This limits the availability of pork worldwide, and creates pressure on growing prices. Despite recent decline and current stagnation of pork prices on stock exchange, the outlook for upcoming weeks is rather dim. The infection has come close to key pig-farming areas, and Agriculture Ministry has made the measures stricter; boosting the boar hunting, recommending home pig-killings, and supporting the pork producers in their prevention.
Source: spectator.sk