Pig crisis tour visit

Mar 28 2008 by Tom Patterson, The Journal

THREE little pigs will visit Newcastle on March 31 to help raise awareness of the crisis currently facing British pig farming.

The visit is part of the “Pig Issue Tour”, which will visit 11 towns and cities as the latest stage in a pig farmers’ campaign for fairer prices for their animals.

The Newcastle leg of the tour takes place on March 31 from 9am- 10.30am at the Centre for Life, Times Square.

Feed prices have doubled over the past year and farmers are now losing around £20 on every pig raised.

If farmers do not receive increased prices for their animals soon, many face the prospect of going out of business.

The tour is being organised by the National Pig Association and the British Pig Executive (BPEX). BPEX chairman Stewart Houston said: “There is no doubt that people are starting to listen. Over 16,000 people have signed our online petition and the price is starting to move in the right direction.

“But the industry is still facing massive losses. Prices need to rise further but more importantly a greater share needs to be passed down the chain to farmers.” Mr Houston added: “Without this many farmers face the prospect of going out of business. Then consumers will lose the choice to buy higher welfare Quality Standard Mark pork, bacon and ham. Two-thirds of all imported produce would be illegal to produce in the UK as it doesn’t meet our higher welfare standards.”