The Ulster Farmers’ Union is seeking an urgent meeting with DAERA Minister Andrew Muir to discuss the uncertainty facing a number of Northern Ireland pig producers.
The move follows a recent meeting between UFU and Sofina Foods, during which the union pressed the company for clarity on the future of affected family farm businesses supplying into Sofina’s Cookstown site.
UFU deputy president Clement Lynch said the union is escalating the issue. “This issue cannot be allowed to drift,” he said. “Family pig farms are facing serious uncertainty, and they need clear answers on contracts, notice periods, future supply arrangements and what role independent Northern Ireland producers will have in the supply chain going forward.
“We recognise that processors are operating in a difficult market, but that does not remove the need for clear communication, fairness and proper engagement with the farm families affected.”
UFU said the issue goes beyond individual contracts and has wider implications for animal welfare, rural communities, supply-chain resilience and the future structure of Northern Ireland’s pig sector.
“Pig production cannot simply be switched on and off,” Mr Lynch added. “Farmers are making decisions now around breeding, feeding, housing, labour and investment. If producers are left without a secure outlet for pigs, this could quickly become a wider welfare and supply-chain issue.
“That is why DAERA needs to be fully engaged. This is about protecting family farms, maintaining local production and ensuring Northern Ireland does not lose independent pig producers who have supported the supply chain for years.”
Clarity
UFU is seeking clarity from Sofina on the number of farm businesses affected, the volume of pigs involved, the notice and contractual arrangements, the criteria used in decision-making and the company’s long-term plans for Northern Ireland supply.
“Our members are not looking for sympathy. They are looking for facts, fairness and a future,” the deputy president added.
“Warm words about supporting Northern Ireland family farms are not enough. Producers need written clarity and practical action. UFU will continue to press Sofina, DAERA and the wider supply chain until affected members get the answers they deserve.”
Graham Wilkinson, Sofina’s group agriculture director, said: “Sofina can confirm that a small number of Northern Ireland pig supply contracts will not be renewed at the end of this year, reflecting 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.
“Decisions of this nature are never taken lightly and we recognise the impact they have on our supply chain. We met with the UFU to listen to their concerns and we acknowledge the need for clear and timely communication.
“As a leading food manufacturer we remain firmly committed to the British and Northern Irish pig sector and through collaboration and innovation we will continue to work with our suppliers, customers and the wider industry.
“This is exactly why we recently launched Sofina Connect, a programme which is designed specifically to address these kinds of industry 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.”