'An opportunity to step forward and shape your industry' - Rob Mutimer

Nominations are now open for election to a new streamlined NPA Pig Industry Group. In the latest issue of Pig World, NPA chair Rob Mutimer sets out why people across the industry should consider giving it a go. 

The need for strong pig industry representation has never been greater, according to NPA chairman Rob Mutimer, as nominations open for election to the association’s Pig Industry Group (PIG).

NPA producer and allied industry representatives can now put themselves forward for election in the New Year to what will be a streamlined PIG. As previously reported, PIG is being reduced in size from 17 to 12, with eight producer representatives and four from the allied industries.

It is a time of change for the industry, and for PIG, with a number of longstanding members stepping down. This presents opportunities for new people, with fresh ideas to come forward with their vision of how the pig industry should look as it recovers and restructures.

There is a lot happening on the policy front, too. Defra is looking to push ahead with its review of contractual practice in the pig supply chain, a hugely important area of engagement for NPA, while potential regulation on farrowing systems still looms large, alongside the wider sustainability agenda that is only going to become more important for all farming businesses.

“NPA will be a more important voice than ever as the industry sets out a new path and as we try and get the best outcome for members from the contractual review legislation, and also ensure we avoid being hit by costly, prohibitive legislation going forward,” Mr Mutimer said.

“The PIG is a brilliant mix of people from the allied industry and producers, and to make sure we move the industry forward, we need the best people to put their heads above the parapet for election.

“PIG does the industry the world of good and the NPA team needs the guidance and insight of those at the sharp end right across the industry. If you are unhappy with anything, it is a real opportunity to make a difference and influence Government policy.”

PIG members are expected to attend four meetings a year, two of which are online, and contribute their views on key policy topics, while sometimes helping the NPA team out in selected policy areas, including sitting on smaller groups.

“It is not onerous and brings real benefits,” Mr Mutimer said. “Networking is very important, and PIG is a great opportunity to mix with a wide range of forward-thinking influencers from all parts of the sector.”

Mr Mutimer will be putting his own name forward for election to PIG, although he does not intend to continue as NPA chair, after three years in the role.

The Norfolk outdoor producer told the latest PIG meeting in September that, with farrowing systems set to be a central policy issue for NPA over the next three years, it needed somebody with experience of indoor farrowing systems to be the industry’s voice on this.

Get involved

Hugh Crabtree, one of two NPA vice-chairs, is among those who will be stepping down from PIG, after more than two decades of representing the association. He also urged potential candidates to come forward.

“The PIG is the policy body of the association and it’s really important that the NPA finds the best possible people to serve on this vital committee, which is a lively forum of topical debate – right at the heart of the industry.

“Some long serving members are standing down this time around, so if you’re the next generation in the sector please consider getting involved ­– your industry needs you!”

Election timetable

• Early October – nominations open
• January 8 – nominations close
• January 23 – email voting opens
• February 5 – postal ballots sent out to those who have not voted online.
• February 22 – voting closes.

Electing a streamlined PIG

• The NPA is seeking candidates for eight producer and four allied member seats on PIG.
• Producers will be elected on the basis of the most votes received, rather than on a regional basis.
• Efforts will be made to ensure a balance between indoor and outdoor production and independent and corporate producers. Details will be announced shortly.
• Allied members will be elected via most votes in four categories – buildings/equipment, health, marketing/processing and nutrition.
• Producers will only vote for producers, and allied industry for allied industry, with one vote per membership.