The NPA is set to streamline its representative Pig Industry Group, which guides it on policy, with nominations for elections to the group opening in February.
The NPA Board has agreed that the PIG will be reduced to 12 members – eight producers and four allied members – from the current 17, comprising 10 producers and eight allied industry members.
Producer members will be elected on the basis of the most votes received, rather than on a regional basis, but efforts will be made to ensure there is a balance between indoor and outdoor production and between independent and corporate producers.
Allied members will be elected via most votes in four categories in order to avoid replication.
Nominations for elections will open in October and close on January 8, 2024. Voting to to elect the streamlined PIG will open via email in late-January, with postal voting opening in February.
NPA chair Rob Mutimer said: “The decision to merge our producer and allied groups at the last election has been a big success, enabling us to pool knowledge and work more effectively together, while cutting costs.
“However, the group is a little bit unwieldy, and the board believes this new streamlined approach will still ensure a strong and representative decision-making body, while improving efficiency and further cutting costs.
“It is really important people from all parts of the industry step up for election, so the NPA can continue that strong voice for the industry as we look to rebuild and forge a brighter future.”