The National Pig Association (NPA) has written to the new Defra minister, Andrea Leadsom, spelling out its priorities for the pig industry, especially in relation to continued strong access to export markets and the need for new regulations to be wholly science-based.
The letter, signed by NPA chairman, Richard Lister, also called on the minister to help deliver a “thoughtful, timely, science-based and transparent” transfer of current EU regulation into a “less onerous” domestic format.
Mr Lister assured Ms Leadsom (pictured above) of NPA’s full support in the coming months and years, as she seeks to create a domestic agricultural policy that delivers for both industry and Defra.
“Continued close Government engagement with industry throughout the Brexit process and beyond is paramount,” he wrote, “and we stand ready to play our part.”
The letter also detailed the pig sector’s current export strength and potential for growth, pointing out that the existing export trade is worth £350 million a year.
“Last year the UK produced 899,000 tonnes of pigmeat, of which just over 25% was exported, including processed meat,” wrote Mr Lister, adding that continued trading relationships with established global partners were paramount for the future, alongside a free-trade agreement with the EU.