In a recent letter to the editor of the “Munster News,” James O’Mara, a prominent figure in the bacon industry, has shared his insights regarding the decline of the Irish bacon trade. O’Mara’s letter presents a comprehensive analysis of the factors contributing to the downturn, highlighting various issues that have led to a weakening of this once-thriving sector.

O’Mara, writing from Bank Chambers in London Bridge, SE, expresses gratitude for being quoted in a previous article and seeks to clarify and expand upon his views. He begins by emphasizing that the primary reason for the decline in the Irish bacon trade is not competition, but rather a decrease in hog raising. He identifies several key factors contributing to this decline:

1. Emigration: O’Mara attributes a significant portion of the decline to emigration, which has led to a reduction in hog raising. He points out that emigrants, mainly labourers and small farmers, have historically been the most active in hog raising. This decline has hit the smaller agricultural population, as larger farmers in Ireland typically do not engage in hog raising to the same extent as their Danish and Canadian counterparts.
2. Decline of Tillage: O’Mara argues that the Irish people tend to purchase feeding produce from other countries instead of adopting the more cost-effective approach of growing their own feed on their lands. This preference for imported feed has resulted in a scarcity of Irish hogs priced at 50s, in contrast to the ability of Danish and Canadian farmers to produce hogs at lower costs.
3. Government Intervention: O’Mara points out that benevolent governments in other countries provide their farmers with valuable resources to support hog raising. This includes providing information on raising and feeding hogs efficiently, as well as educating farmers about feed prices and values. In contrast, O’Mara is critical of the Irish government’s agricultural department, suggesting that it has not been as practical and efficient in its support of the industry.
4. Railway Rates and Transportation: O’Mara discusses the issue of railway rates, noting that it costs significantly more to transport bacon from Limerick to London compared to the cost of shipping bacon from his Canadian packing house in Ontario to Liverpool or London. He questions the utilization of legal powers by the Irish Agricultural Department in managing railway rates and transportation costs.

O’Mara expresses his hope for practical and successful results in the application of agricultural science, particularly through the efforts of County Committees. However, he voices concerns that these committees might not receive the necessary financial support from the central department. He concludes by emphasizing the need for collective action to address these challenges and prevent further decline in the Irish bacon industry.

O’Mara’s letter offers a multifaceted examination of the issues facing the Irish bacon trade, touching on economic, governmental, and practical factors that have contributed to its decline.

Free Press (Wexford) – Saturday 21 October 1905