The ‘Pig Issue Tour’
Three little pigs are on a tour of Britain to help raise awareness of the crisis currently facing British Pig farming. The ‘Pig Issue Tour’ will visit 10 towns and cities across the country, where the three little pigs will be joined by farmers from each region demonstrating for fair prices for their pigs.
 Southampton |
 Bristol |
 Cambridge |
With the British pig industry on the verge of vanishing as a result of soaring feed prices forcing more and more pig farmers out of business, the ‘Pig Issue Tour’ may provide the last chance for many city dwellers to see a live pig.
The tour is being organised by the National Pig Association and BPEX as the latest stage of the ongoing ‘Pigs Are Worth It’ campaign.
BPEX Chairman Stewart Houston said: “The price is starting to move in the right direction but the industry is still facing massive losses. Without a rise in the price that pig farmers are paid for their pigs, many face the prospect of going out of business. Then consumers will lose the choice to buy higher welfare Quality Standard Mark pork, bacon and ham. Two-thirds of all imported produce would be illegal to produce in the UK as it doesn't meet our higher welfare standards.”
Tour organiser Phil Brady said: “We may have three little pigs on the tour but we’re certainly not crying wolf. Feed represents around 50% of our costs and this has gone up massively. People are beginning to see that this is a serious issue but we need action now.
“The UK is the only country in the world with a significant amount of outdoor pig production. Between 30 and 40% of pigs in this country are now outdoor-reared. That’s why you can drive through the countryside and see pigs out in the fields. Our welfare standards are also amongst the highest in world. All of this is under threat and if things don’t change this really might be one of the last chances that people have to see live pigs or chose high welfare products.”
The 10 cities and towns on the ‘Pig Issue Tour’:
• Harrogate
• Hull
• Nottingham
• Derby
• Norwich
• Ipswich
• Cambridge
• Bristol
• Southampton
Note: The pigs for each day of the tour are provided by local farmers. During the tour the pigs will be handled by an experienced stockman and will be subject to the highest standards of care and animal welfare.
