£2m in direct support offered to Scotland’s pig producers

A new £2m support scheme for Scotland’s independent pig producers has been launched by the Scottish government to help with the significant market challenges facing the sector.

Scotland has lost an estimated 15% of sows in the independent sector since the start of the year and four producers have already exited the market.

See also: Pig sector unnerved as processors end contracts and cut jobs

Pig price falls have been driven by a combination of EU market weakness, processing disruption, seasonal plant constraints and ongoing supply chain pressure.

The latest UK Standard Pig Price (SPP) of 175.70p/kg deadweight for the week ending 4 July is more than 30p/kg lower than the same time last year

Under the scheme, independent producers will be able to claim direct support for the difference between the price they received for their pigs since March and 85% of the UK SPP.

The scheme will open to applications from 15 July, will apply retrospectively to losses incurred since March, and may continue until August, subject to review.

However, pig producers who are under the same ownership as the operators of their abattoir will not be eligible.

Rural affairs secretary Gillian Martin said: “The pig sector is going through an incredibly difficult time, and I want to do all we can to help the most vulnerable farms.

“This vital funding, which is only available in Scotland, will help protect local jobs, sustain Scotland’s pork supply chain, safeguard the Prime Scottish Pork brand, and protect the production of high-quality, high-welfare, locally produced food.”

Ms Martin is urging the UK government to follow the Scottish example, and step up disease protection at the borders.

Response

NFU Scotland welcomed the £2m package, but said it was unlikely to go far enough to address the financial pressures facing the sector.

NFUS president Andrew Connon said: “Since March, the cumulative impact of the persistent gap between prices paid and the SPP has exceeded £1m/month, creating unprecedented strain for independent producers.”

Mr Connon said the union would work through the detail of the scheme while continuing to press government, retailers and processors to tackle the root causes of the crisis.

“The long-term solution is a fairer marketplace that delivers sustainable returns for Scottish pig producers,” he said.

Quality Meat Scotland chairman Kate Rowell said the funding would provide much-needed practical and mental relief from the significant pressures pig producers are under.

“As a result of plummeting producer confidence, breeding sow slaughter jumped by nearly 40% year-on-year at Scottish abattoirs in the first five months of 2026, with implications for future pork production levels,” she said.

“This funding will help support availability of local pork now and in the future, safeguard the Prime Scottish Pork Brand and the survival of the Scottish pig sector, which is worth around £300m to Scotland.”

Roderic Bruce, United Pig Cooperative board director for Scotland, said the prolonged period of poor returns had left many producers seriously questioning their future in the industry.

“While this support is not a long-term solution, it may provide enough breathing space to delay some producers from exiting the sector and help maintain confidence until market conditions improve.”