December 7, 2020
UK pig association chairman calls for strong support to ensure pig industry's future
The chairman of National Pig Association's (NPA; UK) Allied Industry Group has called for strong support of NPA from all sectors of the pig industry in the United Kingdom.
Hugh Crabtree - who is also the managing director of Farmex - said that, in order to keep the UK pig industry competitive, all players need to work for a common cause at a time of significant change.
"The upcoming NPA elections are vitally important as the industry faces serious challenges. These include possible trade deals following Brexit, African swine fever, action by activists, increasing health and welfare regulation, reduction in antibiotic use and stricter standards and compliance. In addition, there is a need to grow pork consumption in the face of a rise in veganism and food competition in the retail sector," said Crabtree.
"We have 67 million consumers on our doorstep, but still import 60% of our pigmeat, much the same as 10 years ago. Per capita consumption also remains pretty much the same at around 24kg, while poultry consumption has surged ahead in 2019 amounting to 37.2kg."
The NPA has had considerable influence on political decisions. However, the organisation has recently seen a drop in its membership.
"While the independent commercial pig farmer of old is a dying breed, the number of people responsible for the husbandry of pigs hasn't changed much," said Hugh. "We will be exposed to the cold winds of international trade, so it is in everyone's interest to join the NPA and help ensure a vibrant UK industry."
The NPA is combining its Producer Group with the Allied Industry Group to form the Pig Industry Group (PIG) to improve communication and represent all sectors more fully.
The new group will be made up of 10 producer members and seven allied industry members.
"It is therefore very important for all sectors to support this organisation, and particularly, to both nominate members and then to vote," said Crabtree.
- Farmex
