Bringing home the bacon, again

Rosderra"s pig-processing plants in Edenderry and Clara are back to full production today (Friday) but the pressure is now on the government to convince other countries to start importing Irish pork and bacon products again. The government"s announcement of a €180 million package for the stricken industry was welcome news for the 300 staff in the Edenderry HQ and slaughtering plant and the 50 full-time staff in Clara"s rendering plant, who had been put on protective notice last Monday. SIPTU and staff were in talks with management yesterday in Edenderry to discuss the week"s events and compensation for the staff who lost out on three or four days work. 'Most of us are starting back today (Friday), the killing and breaking line were back yesterday and the boners and processors today at 7am,' said Vincent Bolger who works in the Edenderry plant. 'We"re all trying to hang in there, everyone needs a job in the current climate.' A total of 60% of Rosderra"s produce is exported to mainland Europe, the USA, UK, Japan, China, and Russia. These countries banned Irish pork and bacon products once the pork was recalled last weekend. Rosderra"s future and jobs, will now depend on these countries allowing Irish imports again. 'We"re depending on these markets to buy Irish again. If the ban stays, where does that leave Rosderra?' said Mr Bolger. Taoiseach Brian Cowen said that Bord Bia, state agencies and Irish embassies have started an international marketing campaign to re-establish the pork and bacon brand abroad. Deputy Olwyn Enright welcomed the multi-million deal saying it was a 'positive move' for the farmers, the processors and their employees, after the lay-offs crisis could have crippled the Midlands. 'This new deal must be welcomed and it was vital that the State stepped in and facilitate the re opening and protection of this vital industry,' said Deputy Enright. 'I personally encourage Irish consumers to buy home produced produce to help assist the industry back on its feet.' Locally, pork and bacon products were available for sale in restaurants since Wednesday as many butchers are selling products sourced in the UK and Denmark. The Edenderry plant only re-opened on December 1 after repairs were completed on the factory which was badly damaged in a fire earlier this year.