Rural Affairs
Campaign to highlight pig farmers’ plight
BRITISH pig farmers have launched a £1.5m
national advertising campaign to win a fairer
price for their product.
They are warning that without a rise of at
least 20p per kilo by Easter, many farmers will
go out of business.
The campaign includes advertisements saying,
"Save a rare breed from extinction. No we
don't mean the pig".
Rocketing world wheat prices have led to
huge increases in feed prices, landing British
producers in deep trouble.
The majority are losing up to £26 on each pig
they rear. The industry as a whole faces potential
losses of £200m in the next year.
A recent survey by the National Pig Association
(NPA) found that 95 per cent could quit
production if prices did not improve.
British farmers operate some of the highest
welfare standards in the world, which countries
supplying the UK are not legally obliged
to meet.
The campaign asks consumers to select pork
and pork products that carry the British Pork
Quality Standard Mark.
Stewart Houston, chairman of the British
Pig Executive who has a pig unit near Bedale,
North Yorkshire, said: "Rises have got to reach
the bottom of the chain or the industry will go
into meltdown. At the current price of 110p
they are losing up to £26 on every pig produced.
"If a large number of farmers do quit the
industry, there simply won't be enough quality
pig meat to meet consumer demand. Prices
will rise sharply and there will be less high welfare
pork on supermarket shelves. By then it
will be too late."
■ Consumers can register their support at
www.pigsareworthit.com
9:07am Tuesday 22nd January 2008
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