Pig producer confidence remains “under pressure” according to the results of the annual BPEX confidence survey.
Carried out in January and February, drawing responses from 650 producers, processors, vets and the allied industry, the survey revealed “weaker confidence” in some areas, partly offset by an expectation of improvements showing through over the next year.
“The majority of producers do not believe their competitiveness has improved over the last year and many felt the position had worsened,” said BPEX. “But looking ahead, there is a belief the competitive situation within both the UK and EU is set to improve over the next year.”
There is also evidence that recent improvements in profitability in the pig industry have resulted in more investment and improvements in productivity.  At the same time, however, the survey revealed that capital investment in the industry is now “centred on maintaining the current infrastructure rather than expanding businesses”.
For vets, processors, feed companies and the like, the survey found that confidence remains “stable”.
BPEX head of technical, Andrew Knowles, commented: “While recognising the environment of austerity and tough competitive challenges for all elements of the supply chain, we need to ensure short-term thinking doesn’t undermine the long term progress that has been made and the sustainability of the industry.”
The survey also sought views on the industry’s use of BPEX services, plus attitudes to the organisation in general, revealing “high levels of satisfaction” overall.
The most frequently used BPEX services were:
- Â Â BPEX website
- Â Â Publications, factsheets and technical guides
- Â Â Events and meetings
- Â Â Website, prices, facts and figures