UK independent pig producers are ‘fighting for their futures’, according to the NPA, which is urging the supply chain to commit to long-term backing for it at this difficult time.
The longer-term prospects for many independent pig producers are currently up in the air, after a period in which the leading pork processors have been giving notice on contracts to suppliers.
While the biggest issue is with suppliers to Morrisons’ abattoir, run by the Myton Food Group, all the big processors have responded to the current market downturn by adjusting pig supplies going forward.
In some cases, producers have had volumes cut, in others supply arrangements have been terminated altogether, leaving some producers with nowhere to go when contracts expire, generally in six or 12 months’ time.
The backdrop is a declining market since the autumn of 2025, driven by a combination of factors, including an oversupply of pigs, stagnant demand and falling EU prices that have pressurised UK pig prices.
The situation has been compounded by backlogs on farms, exacerbated by factory issues and rising costs on the back of the war in the Middle East.
It has left some producers in an extremely vulnerable position, with reports of herd sizes currently being trimmed and some producers considering their future in the industry.
Fighting for their futures
NPA chief executive Lizzie Wilson said: “We are extremely concerned about the position our independent pig producers once again find themselves in. Many are currently fighting for their futures.
“The crisis of 2021 and 2022 saw a number of independent pig farms leave the sector and, while we have seen more stability since then, the inexorable rise of the integrated sector has continued as processors have acquired more independent producers.
“We understand the market context and, while we’d like to see more transparency on pricing, as far as we know, contract terms around notice periods specifically have been adhered to.
“But our big fear is that, if we lose more independent producers, we will begin to lose critical mass in terms of the suppliers and industry around them. Independent producers always have been and always will be critical to our ability to produce good quality pigmeat from a range of systems to the highest standards of production.
“We call on retailers, processors and the foodservice sector to restate their commitment to British pork and, in particular, our under-pressure independent producers. That means ensuring pigmeat is priced fairly and taking a longer-term view when it comes to supply arrangements, including giving producers incentives to invest.
“We know how much the British public values our great British pork products. Losing more independent producers will only make the UK even more reliant on imported pork.”
Contract regulations
There has been much speculation within the pig industry that some of the activity taking place around pig contracts may be linked to the looming August deadline when all pig contracts must fully comply with the new Fair Dealing Obligations (Pigs) regulations.
The NPA recently hosted the Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator (ASCA), Richard Thompson, on its stand at the British Pig and Poultry Fair. He is keen to hear from any producers who have concerns, including anonymously, if preferred.
Lizzie urged any producers with examples of unfair practices ahead of the August deadline to raise them with him either directly, or via the NPA.
“The NPA has been and will continue to work with various industry stakeholders, and we call on government ministers to meet with industry to try and identify any immediate solutions which may help producers at this extremely challenging time,” she said.
Genuine collaboration
Responding, Graham Wilkinson, group agriculture director of Sofina Foods said: “We endorse the call from the NPA to support the UK’s independent pig sector. Many of our pig supply partners are independent farmers and we recognise the pressure they are under.
“As a vital part of the industry, they are central to the strength and future of domestic pig production and we are committed to working with them to ensure they have a sustainable future.
“It is only through genuine collaboration that we can achieve this. That’s exactly why we launched our Sofina Connect programme, to bring farmers and customers closer together and take decisive action that helps producers respond to market pressures, improve resilience on farm and move the dial across all areas of pig production.
“Sofina Connect provides a clear and structured framework to support continuous improvement in areas that matter most to customers and consumers including animal health and welfare, the environment and innovation.
“Taking this more joined-up approach across the supply chain and by sharing risk more effectively, we can help build more resilient farms and support the long-term viability of UK pig farming.”