Sofina Foods has restated its commitment to pig farming in Northern Ireland, after the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) voiced concerns over the termination of a number of pig supply contracts.
UFU called on Sofina Foods, which operates one of Northern Ireland two main pork plants, at Cookstown, to ‘break the silence and provide clarity on future plans for pigs in Northern Ireland as farmers continue to face uncertainty after contracts were terminated despite a strong demand for pork’.
UFU deputy president Clement Lynch said: “Many pig farmers have been put on the back foot and many still face significant uncertainty.
“At the beginning of the year, Sofina chief executive, Ash Amirahmadi, addressed stakeholders at the Riddell Hall and outlined what appeared to be a positive vision and a range of plans for the pig sector. However, following those assurances, many farmers were informed that their pig contracts would not be renewed. That decision came as a major blow.
“We recognise that the pig market remains challenging, but there continues to be strong demand for pigs and there is no significant backlog within the system. Farmers are therefore questioning why these decisions are being made and, more importantly, what this means for the long-term future of their businesses.”
The UFU met with Sofina Foods on 27 February to discuss a range of issues, including the company’s strategic plans for Northern Ireland. However, it said that, despite repeated calls for a follow-up meeting with Mr Amirahmadi, the UFU has yet to receive a response.
“The lack of communication and follow-up is simply not acceptable,” Mr Lynch added. “Farmers are already under immense pressure from rising feed and fuel costs, and they need to know what the future holds for them so they can plan accordingly.”
Sofina response
Graham Wilkinson, Sofina’s group agriculture director, confirmed that ‘a small number of Northern Ireland pig supply contracts will not be renewed at the end of this year’. He said this reflects the continued downward pressure on the market.
“This pressure is being felt across the industry, driven in part by increased competition from European supply following the impact of African swine fever and changes in trade flows,” he said.
“Decisions of this nature are never taken lightly and we recognise the impact they have on our supply chain. Our recently-launched Sofina Connect programme is designed specifically to address these kinds of challenges, bringing farmers and customers together to respond to market pressures, share risk, improve resilience on farm and support a more sustainable, long-term future for the sector.
“As a leading food manufacturer we remain firmly committed to the Northern Irish pig sector, and through collaboration and innovation we will continue to work with our suppliers, customers and the wider industry.”
The concern about pig contracts in Northern Ireland is mirrored elsewhere in the UK. This was the hot topic at last week’s British Pig & Poultry Fair and last week NFU Scotland warned that the Scottish pig sector under ‘severe pressure’ and ‘fighting for its future’.