In 1998, sow stalls and tethers were banned in the UK, marking a significant change for the pig farming industry. While it was a hugely positive step for animal welfare, many businesses failed to adapt quickly enough to the change and with a lack of support offered by the government of the day to make the transition, many disappeared overnight.
While we don’t yet know the impact current market conditions will have on pig farming businesses in the future, it’s undeniable: the pork sector is once again in turmoil and if we don’t take drastic action soon, many businesses will be at risk.
The loss of key export markets and labour shortages at the end of last year were already creating immense challenges for British pig farmers. And now, with rocketing feed prices and production costs at an all-time high – exacerbated by the war in Ukraine – the situation has become almost hopeless, and many businesses have already tragically collapsed.
Typically, when costs of production increase, it often comes at the expense of animal welfare standards. But as I’ve pledged in the past, no matter what the situation is, we will never let our welfare standards fall and likewise, we will always be there for our farmers in their hour of need.
We source from over 250 British pig farms, many of whom we’ve worked with for more than 30 years. Their dedication to the highest quality and ethical standards has not only helped us become a better business, it’s given our customers access to the best British pork products on the market – across our whole range. From our Essential pork chops and sausages to the pork in our ready meals, all of it is British and outdoor-bred.
While we continue to prioritise our efforts to offer affordable, everyday higher-welfare products that are accessible to all, for this important work to continue, we must continue to invest into the future of our farmers. Without their tireless dedication and commitment to innovation, none of this would be possible.
This is why we take a market-leading approach to the way we pay our farmers – one that reacts to changing market conditions to ensure they are paid a fair price. This not only safeguards the welfare of our farmers but it keeps their businesses profitable, in turn helping us maintain the high quality and standards all of our customers expect.
As a result of this unique and fair pricing model, in November, we adjusted the price we pay our farmers to reflect the challenging market conditions they were facing, hoping for an improvement. Sadly, the situation did not improve and has become increasingly threatening to their livelihoods. With the sector in crisis, now is the time for drastic action.
As a result, we have taken the decision to invest up to £16m in additional funding to this cause, a record investment for our business and something I hope will help our farmers keep their businesses running in a sustainable way – not just to help them survive, but thrive into the future.
Times are hard for British pig farmers and that’s why we’re standing shoulder to shoulder with ours to help them carry this heavy burden. But we need help. This issue is industry-wide and impacting more British farmers than we can help alone. I’m therefore calling on the entire food industry to get behind us and support UK pork farmers as well as all British producers during this turbulent time.
I hope that our pledge and financial support will help weather the storm and enable us to work with our farmers for decades to come, but as well as needing to see action from other retailers, farmers are also dependent on the backing of the British public.
Our plea to them is simple. Whenever and wherever you’re shopping, please buy British pork and back retailers that are truly supporting their farmers.
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