Nine pig groups form co-op
By Farmers Weekly staff
NINE pig marketing groups have joined forces as a federal co-operative after almost six months of talks.
Rumours of a giant producer group in the making were confirmed early this year, when Robin Pooley, now independent chairman, told Farmers Weekly that 11 groups were negotiating to combine forces.
In the event, all but two agreed to do so. The group, through expansion of existing federal United Pig Marketing, will sell 3.25-3.5 million pigs a year, 21-24% of the market, says Mr Pooley. “But we would anticipate being nearer 30% within a fairly short time.” Several independent pig groups have expressed interest, he adds.
The aim is to improve returns through increased negotiating power with buyers and to avoid the worst excesses of the pig cycle by restoring market stability. Discussion, rather than confrontation, is the key, says Mr Pooley.
The nine groups are:
- Anglian Quality Meat Association;
- AF;
- Quality Pig Producers;
- Western Quality Pig Producers;
- UPB Porcofram;
- Scotlean Pigs;
- Nupork;
- Meadow Valley Livestock; and
- Yorkshire Farmers Livestock Marketing.