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Pig industry task force
23/04/2008
The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment has appointed Gordon McKen to chair the pig industry task force.
Only one week after Richard Lochhead announced his intention to form the group, an initial meeting was held today to agree task force membership and terms of reference. Robin Traquair, Stuart Ashworth and Brian McMonagle attended.
The task force will consider the need for additional industry representation and possible actions to assist the pig sector that may include:
- a vaccination programme for pig wasting disease
- an audit of standards, transparency and labelling of imported pork
- improved food labelling
- a support scheme for producers continuing in business
Mr Lochhead said:
"I am acutely aware of the problems facing the sector and have formed this task force as a matter of urgency.
"I want it to consider what practical solutions can be put in place to deliver the additional solutions needed.
"I am hopeful that I will be able to deliver on some of the issues raised which will add to the measures I have already taken to provide assistance."
Those attending the initial meeting were: Gordon McKen, Managing Director of Scottish Pig Producers; Brian McMonagle, Managing Director of Hall's of Broxburn; Robin Traquair, Pig Producer and NFU Scotland's Pig Committee Chairman; and Stuart Ashworth, Senior Business Analyst for Quality Meat Scotland. Scottish Government officials will also be present.
The Scottish Government has engaged closely with all parts of the supply chain on the difficulties faced by the pig sector. Mr Lochhead has held several meetings with industry representatives as well as lobbying both the UK and European Parliaments on the part they can play in assisting the industry.
Suggested actions raised by the industry and under consideration by the task force include: Resurrecting the ongoers' scheme; funding trial vaccination; relaxing rules on the importation of GM feed; health initiatives; government insistence on procuring only Scottish produce in their contracts; improved food labelling; research funding; and placing a higher value on locally produced food.
A total of £30,000 has already been committed to a review of the pig industry (being undertaken by the Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society (SAOS)) and £300,000 to a fifth quarter red meat added value project, both of which will benefit the pig industry in the long-term.