Pig sector leaders across the UK have joined forces in seeking “special support” from independent butchers, supermarkets and shoppers over the coming months, warning that the industry is battling to survive the worst period of low prices for over half a decade.
AHDB Pork, Assured Food Standards, British Pig Association, National Farmers Union Scotland, National Pig Association, Pig Veterinary Society and Quality Meat Scotland came together to issue the following direct message to the key players in the pigmeat supply, marketing and retail chain:
- Processors: Don’t exploit the current period of over-supply to increase your margins. You’re already in profit, your suppliers aren’t.
- Independent butchers: Your customers assume the pork you sell is British. If you must sell cheap imported product, be honest and label it prominently as such.
- Foodservice: A majority of diners prefer their meat to be British. Serve British pork and please remember to signal the fact on your table and wall menus.
- Retailers: If you already source 100 percent British fresh pork, thank you. If you don’t, make a commitment immediately to source at least another five percent British.
- Consumers: Pork is particularly good value at present as pig farmers are being paid at 2007 levels for their pigs. Please always make a point of checking the pork, bacon, ham and sausages you buy are British.
- Pig farmers: Keep taking a pride in the excellent job you do to produce healthy, nutritious British pork. Your commitment to improving efficiency and animal welfare deserves recognition by consumers and everyone in the production chain.