Pig levy suspended to help farmers

By Vicky Houchin

IN AN attempt to help Britains beleaguered pig farmers, the Meat and Livestock Commission is to suspend the promotional levy paid by producers.

The decision to temporarily axe the charge of 65p per pig was taken after a proposal from the British Pig Executive, and will save producers about £2 million.

An additional levy of 40p per pig paid jointly by producers and processors will continue. Promotional campaigns will be funded from outstanding reserves.

All parts of the industry had agreed the measure in “recognition of the severe crisis being experienced by pig farmers,” according to the British Pig Executive.

Pig farmer Richard Longthorp said 65p per pig was little compared to the losses producers were experiencing, but acknowledged that every saving helped.

However, many farmers still believe the MLC is failing to recognise the severe problems faced by pig producers, he added.

“My personal view is that they are definitely out of touch with the industry.”

Even with the suspension of the promotional levy, many pig farmers will not be in business by next spring, Mr Longthorp warned.

“The changes in the industry in the next four months will be so immense. It will be much smaller – if existent at all.”

The levy will be suspended from 21 December until 1 April next year.