Page 15 - Rob Mutimer News Today

British pig farmers fear ruin as slaughter backlog racks up

Pig farming leaders have demanded urgent action from ministers to deal with a backlog of animals which is worsening - despite a government rescue package.

Pig farming leaders have demanded urgent action from ministers to deal with a backlog of animals which is worsening - despite a government rescue package.

Abattoir labour shortages have led to backlog, meaning healthy pigs are killed without being sold for meat

Pig producers have accused George Eustice of playing down the ongoing cull of pigs on farms caused by insufficient processing capacity in pork plants.

Pig producers need more government support this year as it seeks recovery from a 'perfect storm' of issues that have plagued the sector, the NPA has said.

A "perfect storm" of Covid absences and driver shortages is forcing hard-pressed Norfolk food workers to work longer hours to meet Christmas demand.

Norfolk pig farmers criticised a "flippant" response from Defra minister George Eustice after reinforcements to solve a workforce crisis failed to arrive.

The backlog of pigs on farms is not improving and for some producers it is getting worse, the sector has warned amid calls for government to issue new support.

Fruit growers and pig farmers have been hit by a shortage of workers, the BBC is told.