The UK pig industry should "celebrate" the diversity of the production systems within it as one of its greatest strengths, according to the National Pig Association (NPA).
Recently, the media has released stories over the past few months linking the rise of 'mega farms' in the UK with poor animal welfare and environmental practice, and efforts to link antibiotic overuse with intensive production systems.
The NPA has previously hit back at such stories, saying such farms have 'excellent resources' to maintain welfare standards.
But NPA chief executive Zoe Davies stressed that the association supports indoor and outdoor units equally. “We support all types of pig farming and want every member to feel supported equally,” she said.
The group agrees on the need to encourage the industry to adopt a united front at all times.
NPA vice chairman Richard Longthorp said: “We need to demonstrate that promoting diversity and point of difference is the best way ahead for the industry. Promoting the benefits of one’s own system is only natural but it should not be in the context of 'better than' rather 'different from'.
“Let consumers make their own minds up. This diversity is a unique attribute of the UK pig industry. And as we move towards Brexit, diversity should be seen as a strength.
“Some may be tempted to think that during this time of comfortable prices the strength that unity brings is unnecessary. But it most certainly will be not merely necessary but vital when the industry hits its next crisis. Unity needs to be permanent not fleeting when it suits.”
The NPA said the diversity of systems the pig industry uses gives the UK more clout in the marketplace, these range from various outdoor and indoor systems, such as straw and indoor slatted.
