The pig industry network could be expanded to help provide mental health support for farmers in the face of political uncertainty growing vegan activism.
The National Pig Association (NPA) is in discussions with its allied industry members about the possibility of expanding the existing network to provide help and support for pig producers.
This initiative is being developed in collaboration with the Farming Community Network (FCN), a charity that supports farmers through difficult times.
NPA Allied Industry Group chairman, Hugh Crabtree said there was growing evidence that mental health issues are increasingly taking their toll on farm businesses.
“We all need to recognise that mental health is just as important as physical health,” he said.
“We are acting partly because there are a number of threats on the horizon that could add to the stress that those working in the pig sector feel – from Brexit disruption to instability in the market, the risk of African swine fever and activist incursion.
“We are keen to formalise the existing support network that is already out there among the allied businesses that work with producers,” he said.
NPA representatives have met with FCN to discuss how its expertise and support could be more readily utilised in the pig industry.
Lizzie Wilson, NPA policy services officer said: “Pig producers and stock people will all be quick to call the vet to a sick pig, but how often do you do the same for yourself?
“No one can do their job well if they are feeling stressed or anxious and as the NPA have seen a few times; if the welfare of the animals is poor, it generally indicates the welfare of the person looking after them is poor also.”
Charities such as the Farming Community Network and RABI help farmers who are suffering from mental health issues.
