Richard Longthorp,(l) and Lord Rooker officially launch the PIPR. The CPD scheme. It will raise the profile, career prospects and create a professionally driven, skills-led industry.

“We need to put on our welly boots and overalls and get out into the muddy fields and farms. All those fine thoughts, concepts and aspirations must now become a reality, and they will, ” he said, confidently.

Mr Longthorp, a pig producer for North Yorkshire, has been instrumental in developing the scheme. He believes that the strategy will put Continuous Professional Development (CPD) at the centre of all pig production businesses.

“Implementing this strategy has led to the development of training materials (Certificates of Competence), specifically for the pig industry, by the pig industry and funded by industry. They suit the needs of the industry, providing relevant materials that can be studied in bite size pieces, at a pace to suit the individual.”

PIPR will also play a vital role in building confidence within the industry and with retailers and consumers.

Mr Longthorp said it will put people, pride, passion and professionalism back into the pig business and demonstrate its commitment to high quality standards at every stage. And it will take the British pig industry to another level as it is the first livestock/food production industry to take responsibility for skills developments, training and career progression and continuous professional development and now ranks it alongside professions such as vets, surveyors and lawyers, which have recognised CPD programmes.

Trail blazer
Launching the initiative, Food and Farming Minister Lord Rooker hailed it a ‘trail blazer’ and said that he will be urging other food industries to do the same.

“The pig industry is in the lead. This is a tremendous achievement, for an industry that has faced such huge difficulties in recent years. I may not have any more money to bring to the table today, but that doesn't reflect DEFRA’s commitment to this scheme. It has our full support and we will do all we can to help it progress,” he said.

He said that professional businesses were better placed to meet challenges, expand opportunities and be profitable. "And more profit means a more motivated business and the signs are good,” said Lord Rooker.

PIPR will be a key element in the pig industry’s quest for a sustainable, and more profitable future. It also answers many of the questions raised by two key reports - Don Curry’s vision of a sustainable livestock sector produced after the foot and mouth epidemic, and Lord Leitch’s recent report on the need for employer-led, skills-based education and career development. It also meets current government policy for improving young peoples skills, supporting adult training and reviewing qualifications.

PIPR aims to:

• promote an improved, professional, image of the pig industry to the general public
• recognise not only formal skills and training, but also the importance of experience, practical development and other learning opportunities
• establish an independent record of skill among its members making it easier for staff to progress in their chosen career
• promote a clearer image of personal development for new members to the industry
• develop well deserved respect for the progressive members of the pig industry among peers, allied industries and the public.
• raise productivity and profitability.

The industry also hopes PIPR and the allied training strategy will help to raise the profile of pig production as a career opportunity in schools and encourage more young people to join the business.

NPTC will manage the register and verify the initiative on behalf of the pig industry.