Positive steps for pig sector with price rises and more support

There is cautious optimism for the pig sector this week with finished pig prices inching upwards coupled with announcements of price pledge initiatives for independent producers and Waitrose suppliers.

In the week to 14 May, the EU-spec standard pig price (SPP) averaged 172.76p/kg – 1.15p/kg above the previous seven days.

Figures from the AHDB also show that in the week ending 7 May, the EU-spec average pig price (APP) rose by 5.44p to 180.07p/kg, bringing the gap between the two to 8.46p.

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The price increases come as slaughter at British abattoirs rose by 7,000 head in a single week, to 185,500 head, although this was in part the result of a bank holiday and fewer processing days in the previous week.

Waitrose senior agriculture manager Jake Pickering also confirmed the retailer’s “record investment” of £16m to lift prices for its 250 British suppliers and called on the entire food industry to support UK pig farmers.

Meanwhile, independent producers supplying the Karro brand are set to receive a bonus as a result of a new initiative by the pork processor.

Its “I Love” campaign will result in 5p from the sale of every branded pack being passed on to farmers.

The amount raised will be calculated weekly; at the end of every four weeks the total amount in the fund will be divided between the total number of Red Tractor pigs processed during the period and split between qualifying farmers.

 Karro Food Group commercial director Steve Canham said the support was “absolutely vital’’ in what had been “a very tough year’’.

National Pig Association chief executive Zoe Davies described it as a “really positive initiative’’.

“We would like to see as many retailers as possible stock this brand as part of a wider move to utilise more British pork lines on their shelves,’’ she said.