November 1, 2021

UK's AHDB to support service aiding pig producers faced with on-farm backlogs

The Pork Board of the United Kingdom's Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) will fund an off-farm cull and render service as a backstop for producers who are struggling with a backlog of pigs on-farm.

AHDB is in the process of setting up a plant which will have capacity for 2,000–3,000 mature pigs per week. This latest announcement forms part of a package of measures to address the challenges facing the pork sector, which includes a shortage of skilled butchers in abattoirs.

Setting up the facility will cost up to £20,000 (US$27,388), which will be funded by AHDB’s pork levy. The board will also cover any idle time staff costs during its operation, which is likely to run for between eight to 12 weeks.

The plant will make an operating charge per pig to the producer – a commercial arrangement between the two parties.

"The provision of a cull and render service in an established abattoir will offer farmers who cannot sell their pigs, at any price, for processing into the food chain a way to minimise the impact of the situation," said AHDB divisional director of engagement Will Jackson.

- AHDB