Scottish government extends pig industry hardship fund
Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon has announced an extension to the Pig Producers Hardship Support Scheme launched in August 2021.
Funding support of more than £680,000 has been promised by the Scottish government to the pig sector as part of the scheme.
Last year the £715,000 hardship was set up to offer financial support to pig producers affected by the temporary closure of the Quality Pig Processors (QPP) plant in Brechin at the start of 2021. The abattoir’s closure was a significant factor in the backlogs of pigs on Scottish farms over the last few months of the year.
Speaking of the additional funding, Gougeon said: “The COVID-related closure of Brechin abattoir last year and the subsequent loss of the plant’s export licence to China has continued to have a negative impact on pig farmers, during already unprecedented challenging times for the farming industry.
“The Pig Producers’ Hardship Scheme made available last summer delivered essential funding to eligible producers during this difficult period and I am pleased to announce that we are extending this scheme, which underlines our continuous support for our livestock sector.”
She added: “The scheme will open early this year, when a further announcement will be made providing guidance for applications. I would encourage all eligible producers to submit their applications and benefit from this additional financial support.”
Commenting on the announcement, executive manager of the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers (SAMW) Martin Morgan said: “This is a very welcome move by the Scottish government which will help to underpin the viability of the primary pigmeat supply chain in Scotland of which both the Quality Pig Processors (QPP) plant in Brechin and Robertson’s Fine Foods in Ayrshire are important customers.”
National Pig Association (NPA) chief executive Dr Zoe Davies said that it is “fantastic to see the Scottish government supporting their pig farmers. The monies offered won’t solve the financial crisis but will certainly help.”
Davies continued: “We have tried unsuccessfully for many months to convince Defra to put forward a similar case for English pig farmers, who are still deep in the worst crisis that many have ever experienced, and some will not survive, but have been told that it will not be possible for a variety of reasons. We will continue however to push for financial support.”
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