Hugh Crabtree, chairman of the NPA’s Allied Industry Group and managing director of Farmex, has called for unified and solid support for the National Pig Association (NPA) from all sectors, including commercial producers, breeding companies, suppliers, integrators and processors, ahead of the upcoming NPA elections.
Mr Crabtree commented that, with its reputation for ‘punching above its weight’, supporting the NPA is vital because of its considerable influence on political decisions.
“The upcoming NPA elections are vitally important as the industry faces serious challenges. These include possible trade deals following Brexit, African Swine Fever, action by activists, increasing health and welfare regulation, reduction in antibiotic use and stricter standards and compliance. In addition, there is a need to grow pork consumption in the face of a rise in veganism and food competition in the retail sector,” said Crabtree.
“While the independent commercial pig farmer of old is a dying breed the number of people responsible for the husbandry of pigs hasn’t changed much. We will be exposed to the cold winds of international trade, so it is in everyone’s interest to join the NPA and help ensure a vibrant UK industry,”
The NPA is combining its Producer Group with the Allied Industry Group to form the Pig Industry Group (PIG) to improve communication and to represent all sectors more fully. The new group will be made up of 10 producer members and seven allied industry members.
“It is therefore very important for all sectors to support this organisation, and particularly, to both nominate members and then to vote,” Crabtree added.
