Ladies in Pigs has been named the recipient of the 2014 David Black Award.
The organisation’s chairwoman, Sue Woodall, accepted the award from Agriculture Minister George Eustice at a breakfast gathering at The House of Lords this morning (Tuesday).
Mrs Woodall said she had been shocked and surprised when she heard the organisation had won. There was still a lot of work to do to spread the message of the benefits of British Red Tractor pork to consumers, she added, but winning the award would intensify the enthusiasm of the group’s members and drive them to work even harder for the cause.
Ladies in Pigs is only the second organisation to win the award in its 54-year history. The Pig Health Control Association was named winner in 1986.
The David Black Award Citation reads:
“Ladies in Pigs (LIPs) has become a legend in the British pig industry. Resplendent in their white blouses, red jackets and straw boaters, they can be seen at rural shows, international foodie events and outside supermarkets extoling the virtues of British pork. From their BPEX-sponsored ultra-modern and striking pink mobile kitchen, they cook and serve fantastic pork recipes to the British public of all ages.
LIPs started in 1991 after Glenda Montgomery famously told a coachload of complaining pig famers to stop whingeing and get out and promote their product in person. This encounter resulted in a number of ladies associated with pig farming getting together and forming an organisation determined to communicate the benefits of high welfare British pork and pork products. From a small start, they grew to a 500 strong band of volunteers that travel to length and breadth of the country proudly promoting the taste, versatility and values on which British pork production is based. Although numbers have reduced as the industry has restructured LIPs maintain a very busy schedule and are involved in at least 100 events each year.
Over the years, Ladies in Pigs have been formidable in their approach, inspirational in their presentations and invaluable for the morale of the industry. LIPs has made a significant and lasting contribution to the British pig industry through dedication, commitment, enthusiasm and the professional demonstration of pride in the quality of the food they help to produce.”