Pig farmers sue the government
7 June 2000
Pig farmers sue the government
by Alistair Driver
HUNDREDS of farmers turned up to support pig producers who began court action against the Ministry of Agriculture in London on Wednesday (7 June).
The British Pig Industry Support Group claims that agriculture minister Nick Brown has discriminated against the pig industry and failed to apply for aid.
Coverage of the hearing, at the Royal Courts of Justice received widespread media coverage, boosted by the return of Winnie the Pig to Parliament Square.
Lawyers told the judge that pig farmers want over 200m in compensation for losses incurred as a result of restrictions imposed related to the BSE crisis.
Extra costs of over 5/pig puts British producers at a disadvantage against European farmers who do not face such charges.
Furthermore, British beef and sheep farmers have received assistance for BSE-related costs, the lawyers said.
The BPISG believes that MAFF will be politically and morally obliged to apply to Brussels for state aid to compensate British pig farmers.
It said in its submission that the EC Commission has recognised the BSE crisis as an exceptional occurrence justifying state aid.
MAFF officials are due to give evidence on Thursday (June 8).
A ministry spokeswoman told FARMERS WEEKLY that it completely refuted the basis of the claims made by the pig farmers.