Pig producers in the UK are “disappointed” with a slight increase in prices compared to other large pig-producing countries that are on the verge of ASF problems.
According to the National Association of Pigs (NPA), farmers are "quickly losing patience" in connection with the current situation. The NPA confidentially collects information from its members, which sheds some light on the situation.
Recent data from the Council for the Development of Agriculture and Horticulture (AHDB) show that pork prices according to the specification of the European Union SPP reached 138, 67 pence per kilogram, which is 0.36 pence more than the previous week. Since the beginning of March, SPP has grown by 1.24 points. But still it remains 6.6 points below the level of the previous year.
AHDB links the "sluggish" increase in SPP prices with the large stocks of pork created due to Brexit and high performance in previous weeks. Also, a short week of slaughter due to Easter holidays could have a negative impact on pork demand.
Meanwhile, in the rest of the world, including many competitors from the EU, pig prices soared amid steady growth in Chinese imports.
NPA Executive Director Zoe Davis emphasized that farmers are “incredibly upset,” saying: “At a time when they really need support from processors, they don’t get it.”
