Mr Clifton-Brown met with James Hart, who owns a pig farm in Bibury, to discuss the current crisis in British pig farming.
As the global cost of wheat has risen, so to has the cost of feed for pigs. Unfortunately, any rises in the retail price of pork, bacon and ham are not making it down the supply chain back to farmers to accommodate the increased rearing costs.
This situation is unsustainable and unless something is done, we will end up importing more and more pig meat that is not subject to the same high standards that apply in the UK.
Commenting on the situation, Mr Clifton-Brown said “Pigs produced in the UK are subject to some of the highest animal welfare and environmental standards anywhere in the world. As consumers we all appreciate high welfare food and are happy to pay more. It is essential that retail chains pass on this money to the farmers.
“I will be writing to the Chief Executive of all major UK supermarkets to encourage them to help save the UK pig farming industry”