TV Documentary on Pig Farming Scheduled

UK - A Wiltshire farmer is to feature in a documentary highlighting the plight of the pig farming industry in England. Rising feed costs are currently the greatest challenge.
calendar icon 13 August 2008
clock icon 3 minute read

Cameron Naughton said pig farmers faced "financial meltdown" because of a worldwide rise in cereal costs and cheap pork imports, according to the BBC.

The Pig Issue, to be shown in three parts and broadcast on the web, details the issues faced by pig farmers.

"I have seen difficult times - foot and mouth - but this is by far the most difficult time," said Mr Naughton.

'Misleading' labelling

Mr Naughton, a pig farmer for 25 years, said, "The pig industry in the West Country had been hit hard" and that some farmers had been forced to leave the industry.

He explained that a pig retailed at £1.60 [per kilo] but the return to the farmer was just £0.26.

He added that supermarket labelling was "misleading" and believes all British pork should be clearly labelled with the British Meat Quality Standard Mark (QSM).

Mr Naughton said the use of British meats in pies, sausages and supermarket products would also help the industry.

Ian Johnson from the National Farmers' Union (NFU) said the cost of feed was an important issue for all farmers. However, he said that the demand for pork had been picking up because lamb and beef were more expensive.

The documentary is the latest in the year-long campaign by Pigs Are Worth It!, which aims to secure pig farmers a better deal.

The film will be launched early in September on the campaign web site.

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