Pork supply review provides 'unprecedented opportunity', NPA tells new Defra Secretary

NPA chairman Rob Mutimer has welcomed new Defra Secretary Ranil Jayawardena to the role and highlighted the 'once in a generation opportunity' the pork supply chain review provides to create an environment for the British pig industry to thrive again. 

In a letter to Mr Jayawardena, which can be viewed HERE, Rob says the NPA looks forward to working with him and hopes to continue the excellent relationship the association had with his predecessor.

Highlighting the various factors that have contributed to the 'unprecedented crisis' of the past two years and Defra figures showing a 17% reduction in the sow herd, he adds: "With many more businesses struggling to survive, we expect this trend to continue until farmers are paid a price that better reflects the current cost of production.

"We are enormously grateful for the close working relationship we have with built with Defra Ministers and officials during the crisis and the work that has already been undertaken to assist the sector.

"The ongoing review into contractual practice in the UK pig sector is hugely welcome and gives us an unprecedented opportunity to improve fairness and transparency throughout the supply chain.

"It is a once in a generation opportunity to reset the balance of power and create an environment for the British pig industry to thrive again." 

Rob goes onto invite Mr Jayawardena to a pig farm to discuss the pig industry's issues in more detail.