Economics

Pig farmers to protest

A nationwide pig farmer demonstration is scheduled for Nov. 24-26 to protest the early freeze of 2004 subvention funds by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in October due to lack of funding. In the meantime, two pig farmers appealed to the Constitution Court to establish whether the ministry was justified in blocking funds in the same way in December 2003. If the producers\' claims are deemed valid, the ministry may be liable for retroactive payments totaling over Ft 3 billion. The subsidies demanded by farmers include regular government support for livestock farming, waste elimination, veterinary and drug expenses, and food safety. (Vg 4) P.P.