Pig sector set to receive £2.2m

On Thursday Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots announced a financial support package worth up to £2.2million for pig farmers who were impacted by the temporary closure of Cranswick.

The Minister said: “I met with representatives of the pig producers supplying this processing plant and recognised the financial impact that the temporary closure had on their business. To offset the losses incurred by these farmers during the time it took for pig processing to return to normal, I am pleased to announce £2.2m support from the Covid-19 fund.

“This financial support will address the effects of the temporary loss of the lucrative Chinese export market, additional penalties on overweight and overfat pigs, and the price impact of alternative pig marketing arrangements.”

When the scheme opens next month, eligible farmers will be contacted and asked to complete a simple application form to claim their payments. Further details and explanatory information will be published on the DAERA website at that time.

Responding to the announcement UFU deputy president William Irvine said: “Our pig producers suffered significant losses when Cranswick Country Foods was shut down with immediate affect following a COVID-19 breakout among staff. Alongside the tireless efforts of our stakeholders, the UFU lobbied immensely to gain support for the pig sector.

“This funding will provide essential support to our pig producers and will help sustain farm businesses. It is expected to compensate for a large proportion of the losses incurred by producers while the process plant remained closed. This includes the temporary loss of the Chinese export market, additional penalties on overweight and overfat pigs, and the impact on other pig market avenues. Producers who are eligible to apply will be contacted by DAERA to complete an application form to claim their payments. The UFU encourages farmers who are contacted by DAERA to make it a priority to fill out the necessary paperwork so they can benefit form the funding as soon as possible,” he added.

Over 11,300 farmers and growers have already received almost £19m to offset the losses incurred as a result of the pandemic’s impact on the local agri-food sector last year.