NPA calls on Defra to back British pig farmers, after further Scottish funding announced
The National Pig Association (NPA) has again called on the government and supply chain to support British pig producers, after further funding was announced in Scotland.
The Scottish Pig Producers Hardship Support Scheme, launched in August 2021, provided support of £715,000 to eligible pig producers who had supplied the Quality Pig Processors (QPP) plant at Brechin.
It was extended in January 2022 by a further £680,000 and it has now been announced that an additional £410,000 of support will be made available, bringing the scheme total to just over £1.8 million.
National Farmers’ Union Scotland’s pigs working group chair, Jamie Wyllie, said that the Scottish sector was “on the brink of losing the critical mass it needs” and, for those supplying Brechin, “this Scottish government support has recognised the crisis.”
He added: “However, the funding must be judged against the scale of the losses of all Scottish pig producers, not just those supplying Brechin. This fund will not solve the crisis. Solutions are needed now to turn the sector around and address the problems within the supply chain to ensure producers are getting a fair return from the market for their long-term security.”
Highlighting the disparity between pig price and cost of production, he urged retailers and processors “to understand this and support their suppliers.”
NPA reaction
NPA policy services officer, Lizzie Wilson urged Defra to take similar action to support producers in England who are “also facing unprecedented challenges, with many standing on the brink of being forced to quit.” She also called on the supply chain to do more to protect its long-term supply of pork.
Wilson said: “Whilst we are pleased for our Scottish members, yet again our pig producers are frustrated to learn that their Scottish counterparts are being financially supported by their government.
“NPA survey data suggests there are still 100,000 pigs stuck on farms that should have gone to slaughter and farmers are losing in excess of £50 per pig due to the enormous gap between their cost of production and the price the supply chain is paying for pork.”
NPA estimates that the pig industry has lost 10% of its breeding herd due to producers leaving the industry entirely or cutting down on their production.”
Wilson added: “Our pig producers need help now, either from government or the rest of the supply chain.”
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