March 5, 2008

UK hog producers stage protest in search for higher pricing

Hundreds of hog farmers are staging a protest in Westminster as they calls for improved hog prices, which are currently depressed at the expense of the hog industry.

Without a price increase, producers could lose about GBP200 million (US$397 million) next year, which could force them to leave the industry, according to Stuart Houston, chairman of British Pig Executive (BPEX).

Farmers said that escalating feed prices and cheap imports are harming the industry.

Industry leaders from around the country have also joined in, as they call upon the government to take action to ensure the industry's future.

NFU Scotland's pig committee chairman, Robin Traquair agrees with the farmers. The government cannot expect the industry to produce high quality pork while undermining it with imports that are of lower animal welfare and food safety standards, Traquair said.

Former MP Neil Hamilton also turned up to show support for the farmers. Hamilton said it is contradictory that British farmers have to adhere to certain standards that imports do not have to.

Ben Leggett, a student at the Royal Agricultural College in Cirencester, said although the government could encourage price increase, but it did not seem they are too concerned about the plight of the British hog industry.

MP Richard Bacon is calling for higher prices for British pork and for the government to take notice of the industry's plight.

Organised by the National Pig Association, the rally had gathered about 400 protesters from all over the country, as they also handed in a petition that supports the campaign to the Prime Minister.