Non-compliance may profit UK pig industry

A lack of compliance on the partial sow stall ban by some EU Member States may not be such bad news for UK pig producers after all.

Speaking at a British Breakfast for MEPS in Brussels today (Tuesday 20 March), Stuart Houston of the National Pig Association said there would, without doubt, be a decrease in the number of pigs produced in the EU, as a result of the 2013 ban.

As a result, Mr Houston expected there to be an effect on “price and profitability”, with less than 10 members states, in reality, expected to be less than fully compliant.

“UK producers have struggled to make a margin due to the oversupply of pork and pork products. Non-compliance by some Member States could be good for UK pig producers as it could increase profitability in the short term due to supply issues.”

In time Mr Houston expected it to level, but expected that it wouldn’t be so quick.

Farming Minister Jim Paice also said the UK and Sweden had suffered 12 years of an unlevel playing field since beginning implementation of the partial sow stall ban in 1999.

“There won’t be increasing competitiveness for UK farmers with pigs already at a disadvantage, but it’s a question of how quickly will it get back on an even playing field.”

To ensure a level playing field across EU Member States is met following the partial sow stall ban coming in to effect next year, Mr Houston and Mr Paice have agreed to resurrect the Pig Industry Task Force to bring retailers and food service back together and to get an agreement from them that they will only source compliant meat.

Mr Houston said: “For the first time we are confident UK retailers will comply and will run with us on this.  They have all got a reputation at stake and retailers and also branded products know that they can be named and shamed if they are not compliant.”