Swine fever cash fears

2 February 2001

Swine fever cash fears

PIG farmers say a new producer levy meant to provide £4m for farmers hit by swine fever controls could be used by the government to duck its financial responsibility to them.

The Pig Industry Development Scheme (PIDS) which will collect 20p from all pigs slaughtered in Britain was approved by MLC commissioners last week. If, as expected it gets parliamentary approval, it could be up and running by the end of February

But producers are concerned after their nominations to the board that will control the fund were over-ruled by the Meat and Livestock Commissions pig executive (BPEX). The move has prompted fears the fund will be controlled by the MLC and the money diverted to issues other than swine fever. &#42