British pigs are worth it, says campaign

Britain's pig farmers and processors have launched a campaign to persuade supermarkets and foodservice outlets to pay a higher price for pork, sausages, bacon and ham to cover growing losses.

The campaign - British Pigs Are Worth It - comes on the back of worldwide rises in feed prices, which have already pushed up production costs for pig farmers by over 30% in the past year.

A British Pig Executive (BPEX) report outlines the devastating impact of the cost of feed on the industry. Key findings include:

Farmers are currently paid £1.10 per kilo for pigs that cost £1.44 per kilo to produce

Without a price increase farmers stand to lose approximately £200 million in the next year

Feed costs have doubled in the past year and now account for 59% of pig production costs (up from 45% in 2006)

Britain's high standards of animal welfare in pig production will remain under threat unless price increases are realised.

BPEX chairman Stewart Houston said: "While feed costs have risen and look set to rise further, there has actually been a downward pressure on the price that farmers receive. This squeeze clearly can't go on. Something has to be done and that is why we are calling on supermarkets and the foodservice industry to pay us a reasonable price."

The campaign launches with an open letter from Britain's pig farmers in national newspapers on Wednesday September 5. The letter calls on supermarkets and the foodservice industry to pay a fair and sustainable price by increasing the amount they pay farmers by 34p per kilo. The adverts have been paid for by pig farmers via the National Pig Association (NPA).

A website and online petition www.britishpigsareworthit.com​ were also launched today by the NPA to encourage consumers to register their support.