Outgoers disappointed as MAFF rejects bids

By Peter Crichton

THE latest outgoers Mark 2 scheme has left a large number of unhappy producers whose bids to leave the industry have been deemed too high by MAFF.

Letters went out this week to all bidders who were prepared to decommission their premises and leave the industry for at least 10 years.

The “good value” ceiling set by MAFF appears to have been at just 114 per sow compared with 140 for outgoers Mark 1.

This is well below the levels at which many producers had valued their premises and breeding business, and translates to only 11.40 per sow per annum for the 10-year period.

Swill feeders have also had their worst fears confirmed as MAFF has sent out “prohibition notices” to ban the use of all catering waste which contains meat or has been in contact with meat products.

The ban becomes effective on 24 May and brings to an end this form of recycling. The EU is considering similar proposals which may be effective from 1 January, 2002.

Pig prices continue to remain “flat” according to meat traders, with spot quotes for next week little changed in spite of reduced slaughter numbers coming forward.

Most baconers are being traded in the 98p-102p/kg range and contract prices have slipped slightly with the GB AESA down 0.82p to 96.94p/kg deadweight.

• Peter Crichton is a Suffolk-based pig farmer offering independent valuation and consultancy services to the UK pig industry
  

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