Rising costs could push British pig farmers out of business
British pork producers have pleaded with shoppers to buy more locally produced meat, after a 25% increase in the price of feed could force many of them to give up their livelihood.
The chairman of the National Pig Association, Richard Longthorp, said: “‘Feed accounts for about 60 to 65 per cent of our input costs, and a 25 per cent increase is a costs increase to us of about 16 per cent.
“At the end of the day, if we are subject to any increase of 16 per cent in our costs of production, that’s not sustainable”.
The reason for the sharp increase in feed prices is largely down to the failure of crops such as maize, wheat, and soya.
Mr Longthorp urged shoppers to look out for the Red Tractor logo, which appears on bacon, sausages or pork pies that are British produced.
Emily Bancroft