Sofina launches supply chain programme for pig sector
Initiative aims to support resilience in UK and Ireland
30 March 2026
2 minute read
By: Sofina Foods Europe has unveiled a new initiative to support the resilience of the UK and Irish pig industry. Through the ‘Sofina Connect’ programme, the processor will work with farmers and customers to respond collectively to challenges on farm in the pork sector, with the aim of creating a more connected and sustainable supply chain, according to a company-issued press release.
Working together to strengthen the supply chain
The partnership model will see customers working with Sofina and its farmer suppliers to support continuous improvement across areas such as animal health and welfare, people, business resilience and the environment.
“At a time when domestic food security is more important than ever and demand for British pork is rising, it’s essential that we strengthen the pork supply chain in the UK and Ireland,” said Graham Wilkinson, group agriculture director at Sofina Foods Europe.
“This requires collaboration. The industry faces shared challenges but too often it is producers on the ground that are left to bear the risk and cost of making improvements with no clear direction on what the industry really needs. We are facing into these challenges with Sofina Connect. By sharing risk across the supply chain, we can support farmers to continually improve in areas that matter to customers and consumers. Alongside helping to create a sustainable future for our farmer suppliers, it also enables us to secure a long-term supply of British pork for and with our customers.”
Sharing knowledge and best practice
Sofina Connect is built on six pillars of activity designed to build resilience at farm level.
The animal health and welfare pillar will focus on continuous improvement on pig welfare, including a pathway to establishing flexible farrowing systems. Farm and welfare data will be captured through a central welfare hub to provide greater transparency across the supply chain.
A network of farmers will be supported to undertake research and development to address knowledge gaps and drive innovation. The environment and natural resources pillar will focus on improving soil health, water quality and biodiversity, alongside initiatives to reduce emissions such as low carbon nutrition.
Peer-to-peer learning will form the basis of the people pillar, supporting farm teams to improve technically and in business management. The programme will also include support to improve economic resilience and develop a supplier base that is adaptable and sustainable for the long term.
The programme will operate a point-based system, allowing farmers to select areas most relevant to their units. Points will be weighted towards priority areas such as animal welfare. Standards will be reviewed regularly to ensure they remain above the industry baseline and continue to drive improvement.
Collaboration is key
Wilkinson said the programme is intended to move collaboration beyond discussion to implementation.
“Too often the industry calls for collaboration but there is very little action,” he said. “Sofina Connect gives us a real opportunity to bring the industry together and take decisive action that supports these farmers to move the dial in all areas of pig production, ultimately benefitting both their businesses and the wider industry.”
He added that Sofina is consulting with customers and farmer suppliers on the final details of the programme to ensure it is practical to implement and addresses key industry needs.
