Major pig industry meeting in London to focus on 'uncertain' future of sector

The aim of the meeting is to start the process of devising a new pig industry strategy
The aim of the meeting is to start the process of devising a new pig industry strategy

The National Pig Association (NPA) is hosting an industry summit in London on Monday to discuss what the future for the pig industry might look like.

The small event, in Westminster, will bring together representatives from Government, retailers and processors, alongside pig producers.

The aim is to start the process of devising a new industry strategy and to look at how the various strands of the industry can work together to achieve some common aims.

The summit comes at a time of great uncertainty, but also opportunity, for the sector as the Government and industry work on post-Brexit strategies.

The 40 delegates will hear from NPA chairman Richard Lister, AHDB Pork director Mick Sloyan and Promar’s John Giles, before breaking out into group discussions to start putting flesh on the bones of a new strategy.

Topics covered will include:

• The value of assurance to the British pig industry

• The industry’s key points of difference

• The opportunities and risks of Brexit

• What consumers and the supply chain demand from pork

• How the industry can best balance efficiency and productivity.

NPA chief executive Zoe Davies said the summit was designed initially to be a small event to set out the basic pillars of a new strategy.

She said: “Once the initial draft strategy has been produced, we plan to open it out to the wider membership for comment and further discussion.

“These are uncertain times for agriculture, but along with challenges, there will be many opportunities for the British pig industry that we are keen to identify and take advantage of.

“In order to be able to do this however, the industry needs to be ready and will need to change in order to meet future consumer demands.”

Monday's summit will be followed by an NPA producer group meeting and the association’s AGM on Tuesday.