Pig on-goers scheme starts

22 January 2001



Pig ‘on-goers’ scheme starts

By FWi staff

THE second part of the governments 66 million restructuring scheme for pig farmers has opened for applications, the Ministry of Agriculture has confirmed.

The “on-goers” scheme will provide interest-rate rebates on projects that help producers reduce costs and improve long-term viability.

It will remain open for applications for six months.

Agriculture minister Nick Brown acknowledged that pig farmers had “suffered terribly” over the last two years on Monday (22 January).

“While market conditions have improved recently, the scale of debt incurred over those difficult times continues to be a major restraint,” he said.

The scheme would help farmers prepare for the future, Mr Brown added.

The first part of the scheme, for “out-goers” who have left or want to quit farming, has already attracted 2500 inquiries since it opened on 4 December.

The three-year pig industry restructuring scheme is part of the governments action plan for farming, which was launched last spring.

• Further information can be obtained by e-mailing MAFF at: pirs@mpep.maff.gsi.gov.uk