A double whammy for the farmers – this is how it affects the consumer

The farmers have had a tough year – first came drought and then torrential rains and floods. African swine fever has now been confirmed in Sweden and farmers’ income is once again threatened. Consumers are also at risk of being affected, says Palle Borgström, chairman of the Confederation of Agricultural Farmers.

In Västmanland, seven pigs have become ill and one of them has been diagnosed with swine fever. To prevent the infection, an infected zone has been introduced, which means, for example, that people living within the zone are not allowed to go out into the forest.

– It is a serious situation. We have feared this because swine fever has existed in countries around us, says Palle Borgström.

According to authorities, the infected zone can remain for up to two years. The plan is to wait until as many pigs as possible have died from the infection. The reason why you should avoid the forest is to not disturb the pigs so that they move to another area or so that you yourself get the infection on your shoes and clothes.

– Should we get it on domestic pig herds, it is very serious, then Sweden will suffer from export restrictions, among other things. It will cost society and the industry a lot, says the union chairman.

However, people do not need to worry about getting sick as swine fever only spreads between pigs, which also means that you can eat pork as usual.

– The entire food chain is so strongly controlled that what reaches the consumer can be safe, says Palle Borgström.

Dramatic crop growing season

Swine fever is not the only thing that has affected the farmers this year, Peter Reuterström is one of the affected farmers.

– We have suffered through a crop growing season that had most things wrong, he says.

First it was a cold and late spring, then came the drought for two months and then rain and floods. The result is SEK 1.5 million in lost revenue compared to normal conditions.
– Of course it is noticeable, says Peter Reuterström.

Consumers are also at risk of being affected by the farmers’ double smock, says Palle Borgström.

– If there is a shortage of milled wheat, Sweden will be forced to import from countries far away from us. With a weak currency, the price will rise and that will likely affect the price in stores, he says.