Pork industry wants protection

Estonia's new agriculture minister said measures needed to be taken to protect the country's pork producers, but added that it's still too soon to lay out concrete steps.

Tiit Tammsaar said he discussed the future of pig farmers during a dinner hosted by President Arnold Ruutel last week.

"What form it will take I can't say at the moment," Tammsaar said. "But it's clear that a traditional branch of production is in danger of extinction."

Tammsaar said protective measures would likely take shape during an April 22 interministerial meeting.

In addition to protecting Estonia's farmers, Tammsaar said his other immediate task was preparing the legislative transition of the country's agriculture sector. He said the ministry was slightly behind others in preparing for European Union membership.

Tammsaar said he would also discuss with new Environment Minister Villu Reiljan the possibility of bringing fisheries under the Agriculture Ministry.