Producer PIG elections hotting up!
6th Dec 2023 / By Alistair Driver
A fourth producer candidate has entered the contest for election to the Pig Industry Group (PIG) in the New Year.
Tom Allen, who is part of a family farming business based in Dorset and Oxfordshire with pig units in both counties, is currently a member of PIG, and, prior to that, served on the NPA's Producer Group for a number of years.
"Much like the whole industry, the last few years have hit us extremely hard, and we have had to undergo a considerable restructure. We can’t allow the industry to face this again and the NPA is integral in helping lobby for improvements in contractual practice," he said in his manifesto, which you can view HERE.
Tom becomes the sixth candidate overall to put their name forward, after producers Phil Stephenson, Joe Dewhirst and Pilgrim's UK's Helen Webb, and, contesting the allied industry vote, Garth Pig Practice's Gemma Thwaites and A-One's Peter Bryant.
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.
“The PIG is a brilliant mix of producers and the allied industry, and to make sure we move the industry forward, we need the best people to put their heads above the parapet for election,"
NPA chair Rob Mutimer said.
“Elections for the PIG are just round the corner. If you want to be in the thick of policy making for the industry - now's your chance. We need the best to keep the NPA the best!” NPA vice-chair Hugh Crabtree added.