A glimmer of hope among the adversity

Pigs and poultry may not be the biggest sectors in Scottish agriculture, but they have been in the headlines over the past few months as they face some of the toughest challenges.

The worst season for avian influenza (AI) continues, with new outbreaks reported every week, and for pig producers, the threat from African swine fever seems to creep ever closer.

The mandatory housing order has been effective at protecting most commercial poultry from bird flu, but large scale and backyard keepers alike are feeling the pressure from keeping birds indoors for months.

Concerns are also growing that the ongoing threat from AI means housing will have to be extended beyond 16 weeks – which would have commercial consequences.

Unless egg labelling regulations are changed, free-range producers would lose their status, as the derogation that allows them to house birds and still label eggs free-range applies for up to 16 weeks.

As NFU Scotland’s policy manager Penny Middleton explains (p1011), producers would face having to make changes to all their packaging.

The woes of the meatprocessing sector and the backlog of pigs on farms is well-documented.

The cull of healthy animals in England and fears of an industry meltdown led to last week’s industry summit, where the National Pig Association quoted an average loss of £25 on pigs produced in the past year. Around 30% of pigs processors are contracted to take are still not going into the supply chain.

However, meat wholesalers can see potential in the sector (p4) and there is some optimism that the Browns Food Group’s acquisition of the Brechin abattoir will underpin confidence.

Quality Meat Scotland economics analyst Iain Macdonald said in a recent report: “This change in ownership also comes with wider benefit to the Scottish economy, given pig carcasses will be converted into cuts of pork and other pig meat products at processing sites in Scotland.

“Economic value will be added, and employment supported, in Scotland.”

It’s a much-needed glimmer of hope.

INSIDE: If the bird housing order is extended, it will impact free-range producers.