Technical efficiency of competitors better' Farmers' turn to take the flak Mike Ingham Retailers tired of the constant criticism by pig producers might find some comfort in a new MLC report which could be interpreted as implying the farmers are seeking someone else to blame for their own failings. "Britain's pig industry is falling behind its European competitors," according to an MLC summary of the study by pig strategy manager Colin Baldwin. Militant farmers campaigning against supermarkets in recent months have accused retailers of undermining the industry by purchasing cheap imports in preference to "higher quality" British pigmeat. Producers claim the industry here is more efficient than on the Continent and would prosper given "a level playing field". Baldwin's comparative study of pig production in Denmark, Holland, France and Ireland uncovered evidence of British farmers being disadvantaged by higher feed costs, more onerous taxes and currency pressure, along with heavier deductions from quoted prices. But Baldwin concludes "technical efficiency in the four competitor states is now similar to, or better than, in Britain, while recorded growth rates for pigs in those countries are better". The report identifies "positive signs for the future" in the environmental and animal welfare pressures forcing up competitors' costs, especially in Denmark, Holland and Ireland. But, as the overseas suppliers often point out in response to the British producers' claims, many of these costs are already having to be absorbed by their farmers ­ weakening the claim of unfair competition. "There is no doubt the British pig industry must find ways to keep up with the competition on both cost of production and technical efficiency," says Baldwin. {{MEAT }}