Next year NPA will celebrate two tempestuous decades

NPA will be celebrating  its 20th anniversary next year, with a bumper publication that will time-trawl two tempestuous decades.

It’s an epic journey of heartbreak, hope, heroism, honour and hutzpah.

Members will be spellbound by the story of the industry’s pilgrimage through NPA’s first twenty years.

It’s just a snapshot, but it provides a compelling picture of the exciting times we’ve lived through, and NPA’s pivotal role as the key mover and shaker in the sector.  

The A5 publication is being made possible by the generous sponsorship of allied industry members. 

"Since the day I stumbled into the light that is the British pig industry I have been wholly awe-inspired and amazed by the tenacity, determination and, in many cases sheer bloody-mindedness, of those working in it," says chief executive Zoe Davies.

"I joined the pig sector in the mid-90s in the run-up to the stalls ban.

And as I finished my PhD, I couldn’t fail to notice both indoor and outdoor producers were suffering as a result, whilst cheap imports flooded in.

"Despite that, and the disease aftermath, many pig farmers did survive and eventually bounced back and this industry is now seen by many as the one that always looks forward, despite all that has been thrown at it."

NPA chairman Richard Lister said: "They say time passes quickly when you’re enjoying yourself. I know for sure it hasn’t all been fun. But the one thing that has helped see us through thick and thin has been NPA — that feeling of togetherness, comradeship and support when the chips are down.’

Allied Industry Group chairman Hugh Crabtree said: "Hitting well above its weight and the envy of other agricultural groups and sectors, NPA is an association its members can be proud of.

"And as we witness the impact of history beginning to repeat itself, we all need an association so clearly dedicated to preserving and developing pork production in Britain.

"As we prepare to celebrate our 20th anniversary, we owe it to each other more than ever, to work together to secure our mutual future."

In its punchy celebration publication ‘National Pig Association — 20 Years’, former chairman and vice-chairman Richard Longthorp will explore the pivotal role played by British Pig Industry Support Group as it helped mould the newly-formed NPA in its own image.

"Friendships were formed during those long dark and often cold nights. Those friendships would go on to last a lifetime. Friendships borne out of adversity, usually do."

Here's a little teaser...