The exploitation of Northern Ireland pig producers by major processors must stop, the Rev Ian Paisley said today.
Mr Paisley, MP for North Antrim and chairman of the Stormont Agriculture Committee, made the call at the issuing of a report aimed at alleviating farmers' debt.
The document, "Restoring Profit for the Pig Producer", is the third and final report in an inquiry by the committee.
Among its recommendations was a call for the British Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) to press for farmers to be compensated for costs incurred in replacing meat and bone meal with other more expensive proteins.
The department was also advised to make representations to Westminster about the effects on Northern Ireland's pig industry of the UK currency's current strength in Europe.
Speaking about the measures which members believe will return pig farmers to profit, Mr Paisley said: "We have recommended that DARD help our pig producers achieve the same price for their meat as their counterparts in Great Britain.
"We believe that Northern Ireland producers are being exploited by the major processor and that this practice must cease."
Mr Paisley also stressed the department must respond to the need for better communication and co-operation throughout the pigs supply chain in order to address specific problems.
"This call was made by pig producers and processors alike and the Committee has asked DARD to put a strategy in place by the start of April this year."
Northern Ireland's Agriculture Minister Ms Bríd Rodgers was also urged in the report to lobby colleagues in Britain and Europe to ensure future schemes to alleviate suffering are implemented within a timescale that will allow them to achieve their purpose.
An additional aid scheme - similar to that implemented in the Republic but consistent with the UK-wide initiatives - should also be put in place to ensure Northern Ireland pig producers are not at a disadvantage to those across the Border.
PA