National Pig Association THE VOICE OF THE UK PIG INDUSTRY NPA is active on members' behalf in Brussels & Whitehall, and with processors, supermarkets & caterers - fighting for the growth and pros-perity of the UK pig industry.

Founded in 2000 by Lincolnshire-based pig producer and processor George Adams and north Lincolnshire pig farmer John Godfrey, the LincPork scheme and the quality pork it produces are now exclusive and unique to Budgens.

LincPork rolls out in all Budgens stores from mid September, supported by point-of-sale and information leaflets to explain the scheme and concept to consumers.

To be part of the scheme, producers must use specific genetics to produce a carcase with a higher than average yield of quality lean meat in the primal joints, particularly the leg and shoulder.

Each LincPork pig has been benchmarked as currently being worth around 31.30 above the average, of which 31 goes back to the farmer, and the potential increase in value could be even greater.

The six farms currently within the scheme are located in East Anglia, Lincolnshire and Yorkshire, and two more Yorkshire farms are due to come on board shortly.

Says Budgens' chief executive Martin Hyson (who started his working life as a butcher), "The LincPork scheme is about co-operation between farmer, processor and retailer and it is totally in line with our local sourcing policies. Because Budgens is an integral part of the scheme, we get to know our individual farmers and can understand and respond to each other's issues and requirements."

Mark Haighton, George Adams pig development manager, said, "It's a very positive step forward to see a retailer taking such an active interest in the British pig industry. We look forward to building on this business and returning a greater share of the pot back down the supply chain to the farmers. They were keen to have a retailer on board to give them some security. BPEX has also played a valuable part in the development of the LincPork supply chain through funding to help us secure an end retailer for our pork."

Participating farms: George Adams & Sons Ltd, Colsterworth, Grantham, Lincs; John Godfrey, Brigg, N Lincs; Bruce Hinton, Earl Soham, Woodbridge, Suffolk; Chris Leamon, Harlow, Essex; Richard Lister, Boroughbridge, Yorkshire; Philip Richardson, Wymondham, Norfolk.

Source: National Pig Association - 22nd September 2004