There are many different factors coming together at the moment and the same issue can have a widely varying effect on differing sectors within the industry.

At the moment the main factors are the exchange rate making imports more expensive at a time of tightening domestic and EU supply.

Producers could, therefore, be feeling a bit more confident than they were last year while retailers may be concerned about controlling costs as imports are more expensive and supply is tightening – which leaves processors caught in the middle.

The latest BPEX annual confidence survey, the third, has just gone out to producers, processors, vets, retailers and food service.

It will only take a few minutes to fill in but will provide a wealth of information which will enable decisions to be made on strategies for a sustainable future.

BPEX Strategy Co-ordinator Andrew Knowles said: “All of us in the industry know things aren't good but it is important people take part so we can quantify how beliefs and aspirations have changed from this time last year.

“The results we get will be vital in helping direct the work BPEX is carrying out aimed at securing sustainable prices for producers and safeguarding the supply of British pig meat for consumers.

“All those who take part and return completed forms will receive a copy of the results as well as a copy of the latest cost of production report or the latest ham category report.”

Last year, the results showed differing levels of confidence – as measured by the willingness to invest – at different stages of the supply chain and the results of this year’s survey will give a good comparison over the three years helping us to determine longer term trends.