British pork at risk as pig farmers warn of crisis
The National Pig Association (NPA) has sounded a warning bell over the “precarious situation” of the sector which represents the largest contributor to Yorkshire’s agricultural output.
The industry body said that just a few years after the previous crisis in the sector, pig farmers across the UK are cutting the size of their breeding herds or, in some cases, leaving the sector altogether in response to a prolonged market downturn.
Oversupply and a challenging market have combined with low prices across Europe and an unprecedented number of contract terminations from processors this year, according to the NPA.
The situation, like other sectors of agriculture, has been exacerbated by this summer’s extreme heat, which has affected pig performance, and global conflicts that have pushed up the cost of inputs.
Earlier this year, lifelong pig farmer and Nidderdale Show president John Dale spoke of his optimism for the sector amid a toughening market.
However, this week a group of farming organisations, led by the NFU and including the NPA, has warned that, without immediate action, next year’s food production and the future of the next generation of farmers are at risk.
They have highlighted the financial crisis point threatening Britain’s farmers, with the worst drought in 50 years resulting in historically low harvests, stunted grass growth and crop failures because of a lack of water, which is being compounded by increased production costs.
NPA chief executive Lizzie Wilson said the pig industry is facing its own unique challenges: “The UK pig sector is, once again, standing on a precipice, facing a further contraction that threatens to compromise the UK’s ability to produce the high-quality British pork products that our consumers desire.
“Many independent pig producers are heading into the autumn with no clarity about where they will be able to sell the pigs they produce and are facing a potential financial and welfare crisis.
“Many are also being forced to accept pig prices far below the cost of production and are losing thousands of pounds a week.
“All of this is being compounded by the impact of the hot weather and rising costs. As a result, we are going to lose more of our valued independent pig producers at a time when we should be looking to produce more British pork products to satisfy the public’s demand.”
The industry body has requested a support package from the government, including financial support for those hardest hit and longer-term elements such as better forecasting and commitments to prioritise British pigmeat in procurement policies.
Farming organisations have called for some specific measures to support UK agriculture, including a government-backed, interest-free loan, linked to the losses caused by drought to give farm businesses the working capital to produce next year’s food.
NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: “Action is needed now to secure the future of British farming and enable the next generation to keep producing the nation’s food.”