By Lincolnshire pig farmers warn of crisis
Pig farmers in Lincolnshire and Yorkshire have warned that UK pig exports face crisis in the wake of Brexit and the coronavirus pandemic.
The National Pig Association (NPA) said there were 100,000 British animals currently unable to enter the food chain, in turn compromising the ability for some farms to remain operational through the ongoing transition period.
Speaking to the BBC, NPA policy adviser Charlie Dewhurst said members were experiencing delays due to “excessive bureaucracy” and new rules governing exports to the EU.
He added that coronavirus had caused “a major problem in the food supply chain”.
“Absenteeism in the processing units and the export problems have really exacerbated what was already a tough time for the industry,” Mr Dewhurst added.
According to the report, prices have also dropped as pigs grew too fat to meet industry standards.
As such, many producers are finding themselves stuck with animals they would usually have sold, and which no longer meet the required specifications.
The NPA is now calling the government to address the backlog of pigs on farms by taking steps to speed up the process of certifying meat products, including by digitising the system.
The government alleges to be working closely with farmers on the issue.
A spokesperson said:
“We’ve always been clear that there would be new processes for traders, and we continue to support them in their transition to these new arrangements.”
