Pig rescue lifeline

14 May 1999

Pig rescue lifeline

NFU officials are hopeful that government support for pig producers can be forced through after the discovery of a little known EU scheme for "rescue and restructuring" of industry.

According to union pig committee chairman Graham England, the scheme may already have been used by other member states, such as France with its £14m rescue package, and could be implemented here.

Speaking at the Pig and Poultry Fair, Stoneleigh, Mr England said the community scheme could be available to all pig units employing fewer than 10 staff. Money, which would have to come from the national pocket, could be used for all manner of financial aid.