In a bid to increase fairness and transparency in the industry, the government has launched a review of the pig sector. This follows recent challenges experienced by the sector, caused by global pressures including rising costs and labour shortages, which have raised questions about the functioning of the supply chain.
The consultation will seek views on issues such as transparency, price reporting, clarity of contractual terms and conditions, and market consolidation. It will run until the 7th of October 2022 and invites views from pig farmers, abattoirs, processors, retailers, marketing groups and all stakeholders involved in the supply chain.
Farming Minister Victoria Prentis 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.”
The Devolved Administrations will also take part in the consultations. Scottish Government’s Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands Mairi Gougeon 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 affects 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.”
Welsh Government Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd, Lesley Griffiths 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.”
Northern Ireland Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister, Edwin Poots MLA 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 responses have been received and analysed, a summary will be published to outline findings and propose actions. The consultation can be found on the Defra website.