The Scottish government has announced a new £2 million support scheme for Scotland’s independent pig producers in recognition of the significant market challenges facing the sector.
The funding aims to support farms most at risk from a prolonged drop in pig prices, which is threatening businesses and the long-term viability of the Prime Scottish Pork brand, the government said.
The scheme will open to applications from July 15. The support will apply retrospectively to losses incurred since March, with provision for the scheme to continue until August 2026.
Those eligible will be able to claim the difference between the price they received for their pigs and 85% of the SPP, which is the average UK deadweight price. It will target only independent producers – producers under the same ownership as the operators of the abattoir will not be eligible.
Scotland has lost an estimated 15% of sows in the independent sector since the start of the year and four producers have already exited the market. Pig price falls have been driven by a combination of EU market weakness, processing disruption, seasonal plant constraints and ongoing supply chain pressure, while lower European pricing continues to exert downward pressure across UK markets.
Incredibly difficult time
Rural Affairs Secretary Gillian Martin said: “The pig sector is going through an incredibly difficult time, and I want to do all we can to help the most vulnerable farms.
“The price shock is being felt across the UK, which is why I am taking action – in a challenging financial context – to provide an additional £2 million of direct support to independent Scottish pig producers who have been hit hardest.
“This vital funding, which is only available in Scotland, will help protect local jobs, sustain Scotland’s pork supply chain, safeguard the Prime Scottish Pork brand, and protect the production of high-quality, high welfare, locally produced food.”
She has also written to the UK government calling for urgent action to support the pig industry, including following Scotland’s example and increasing resources and investment to improve biosecurity at our borders.
Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) Chair Kate Rowell said: “The Scottish Government’s funding support for the Scottish pig sector is greatly appreciated and will provide much needed practical and mental relief from the significant pressures our producers are currently under.
“As a result of plummeting producer confidence, breeding sow slaughter jumped by nearly 40% year-on-year at Scottish abattoirs in the first five months of 2026, with implications for future pork production levels. QMS alongside key partners representing the Scottish pig industry continues to work closely with Scottish Government to tackle this critical issue and the profitability challenges being faced.
Roderic Bruce, United Pig Cooperative Board Director for Scotland, said the support package was ‘extremely welcome and will provide much-needed assistance to pig producers during an exceptionally difficult period’.
“The prolonged period of poor returns has left many producers seriously questioning their future in the industry. While this support is not a long-term solution, it may provide enough breathing space to delay some producers from exiting the sector and help maintain confidence until market conditions improve.”
Market imbalance
NFU Scotland President Andrew Connon said: “This announcement follows weeks of intensive lobbying by NFU Scotland. I’m pleased the Scottish Government has listened and responded.
“However, our initial assessment is that this package is unlikely to reflect the scale of the challenge facing the sector. Since March, the cumulative impact of the persistent gap between prices paid and the SPP has exceeded £1 million per month, creating unprecedented strain for independent producers, so it is unlikely to make up for the losses many businesses have already suffered.
“We’ve been clear throughout that emergency financial support was needed to help businesses through this crisis. But it cannot be the end of the conversation. The real problem is the persistent gap between the prices Scottish producers receive and the true value of the pigs they produce. Until that imbalance is addressed, we’re simply treating the symptoms rather than fixing the cause ”
NFU Scotland’s Pigs Committee Chair, Jamie Wyllie, said: “The Scottish Government has recognised the severity of the situation, with sow numbers already falling and producers leaving the industry. While this package will provide welcome relief, our early assessment is that it is unlikely to bridge the losses many businesses have been carrying for months.
“Financial support is important in the short term, but our members ultimately want to earn a fair return from the marketplace, not rely on government intervention. That’s where the long-term focus has to remain.”