Another big NPA name throws hat into ring for PIG elections
15th Dec 2023 / By Alistair Driver
NPA chair Rob Mutimer has become the latest producer to enter the race for election to the Pig Industry group in the New Year.
Rob, who farms with my wife Helen in North Norfolk, running 800 sows farrow to finish with outdoor breeding and indoor finishing, alongside a wholesale butcher business and small flock of sheep, has served has NPA for the past three years and was a member of the Producer Group before that.
"I have enjoyed the past three years as NPA chair, which have been challenging!! I feel I still have the passion and experience to contribute to the next PIG if I am lucky enough to be re-elected," he wrote in his manifesto.
Rob becomes the eighth candidate, overall, joining four producer candidates – Phil Stephenson, Joe Dewhirst, both from Yorkshire, Tom Allen from Oxfordshire and Pilgrim's UK's Helen Webb – and allied industry representatives Andy Hall, from AM Warkup, A-One's Peter Bryant and Gemma Thwaites, of the Garth Pig Practice.
The deadline for nominations is January 8, 2024.
PIG Elections
The NPA is seeking candidates for eight producer and four allied member seats on a streamlined 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.
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.
With less than a month left to nominate, the NPA's elected leaders are urging potential candidates to put their names forward.
In a recent post on the forum, vice-chair Hugh Crabtree said: "A lively contest for all places on PIG demonstrates clearly that the association is recognised, valued and important to the sector. Others like Defra see this as well and our legitimacy as the true voice of UK pigs is confirmed."
"But better than that, membership of and involvement with PIG is interesting, valuable to your business and fun.
"GET YOUR NOMINATIONS IN NOW!!"
Rob is also urging people from across the sector to consider putting their names forward.
"There are so many talented and driven people right across this industry and we really do want to see as many candidates as possible putting their names forward," he said.
"You can really make a big difference to the NPA and its hard-working team and, ultimately, to the wider industry, as we grapple with so many important issues - from how the supply chain operates to the sustainability and welfare agendas and so much more.
"As members of PIG have testified, there are many benefits of being on PIG and it is not overly burdensome, although we do expect real commitment from those elected."