The UK Government and the Devolved Administrations are seeking feedback on the fairness and transparency of the pig supply chain.
To improve justice and openness in the business, the Government today (15 July) launched a review of the pig sector.
The consultation comes in response to recent difficulties the industry has faced as a result of external pressures, such as price increases and labour shortages, which have generated concerns about how the supply chain is operating.
It solicits opinions on topics including market consolidation, transparency, pricing reporting, and the clarity of contract terms and conditions.
It will be open until October 7, 2022, and will solicit feedback from pig farmers, abattoirs, processors, retailers, marketing groups, and other stakeholders associated with the pig supply chain throughout the country.
The UK Government and the Devolved Administrations’ announcement today is the latest step they have taken to support farmers as they deal with the volatility in the global commodity markets that has been exacerbated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and resulted in higher input costs for feed, fuel, energy, and fertiliser.
Victoria Prentis, Farming Minister, said:
“Recent months have been very difficult for pig farmers due to a range of pressures including rising costs and global labour shortages. We have engaged closely with the sector to support them in considerably reducing the backlog of pigs on farms and I continue to work with producers and retailers to support the sector.
“I am a firm believer in ‘Buy British’ and supporting our domestic pig producers, and a fair and transparent supply chain is paramount. I hope the industry engages fully with this consultation so that we can help to address the challenges that they are facing.”
Mairi Gougeon, Scottish Government’s Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, said:
“The Covid-19 pandemic and the continued lack of available skilled labour have had a disproportionate impact on the pig sector. It is imperative that we understand the current supply arrangements within the sector and explore the nature of the relationships between the various parties in the supply chain.
“I welcome this consultation, with the hope that it effects proposals for a more consistent approach across the pig supply chain. I would like to encourage all producers and processors, across Scotland, to take part in this consultation and ensure that their voices are heard on this matter.”
Lesley Griffiths, Welsh Government Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd, said:
“These are challenging times for the pig sector and I encourage everyone involved in the industry in Wales to respond to the consultation. This will enable us to gather important feedback and evidence about how supply arrangements in the pig sector currently function and to explore the nature of the relationships between the various parties in the supply chain.
“We will continue to work collaboratively with the industry, as well as governments across the UK, to ensure a resilient future for our Welsh pig sector.”
Edwin Poots, MLA Northern Ireland Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister, said:
“The pig sector has seen significant challenges recently with pig farmers being financially impacted by the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, a marked reduction in skilled labour, increased feed costs and moving pigs off the farm for slaughter.
“I am committed to raising the issue of fairness for pig farmers in the marketplace and exploring further any issues faced in the pig sector. I am pleased that Northern Ireland stakeholders will have the opportunity to take part in this UK wide consultation and I strongly encourage all Northern Ireland stakeholders to respond.”
Once the replies have been analysed, a summary of responses will be released to summarise the findings and recommend any actions.