The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) is seeking an urgent meeting with Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Andrew Muir to discuss “uncertainty” facing a number of Northern Ireland pig producers.
The move follows a recent meeting between the farming organisation and Sofina Foods.
During that meeting, the UFU said that it pressed the company for clarity on the future of affected family farm businesses supplying into the Cookstown site.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss possible plans on the part of the pork processer to cut back on the number of pigs the business slaughters on a weekly basis.
UFU
UFU deputy president Clement Lynch said the union is now planning on “escalating the issue”.
“Following our meeting with Sofina, UFU has now written to the DAERA Minister seeking an urgent meeting on behalf of affected members.
“This issue cannot be allowed to drift. Family pig farms are facing serious uncertainty, and they need clear answers on contracts, notice periods, future supply arrangements and what role independent Northern Ireland producers will have in the supply chain going forward.
“We recognise that processors are operating in a difficult market, but that does not remove the need for clear communication, fairness and proper engagement with the farm families affected,” Lynch said.
Pig production
The UFU deputy president believes that the issue “goes beyond individual contracts” and has “wider implications for animal welfare, rural communities, supply-chain resilience and the future structure of Northern Ireland’s pig sector”.
“Pig production cannot simply be switched on and off. Farmers are making decisions now around breeding, feeding, housing, labour and investment.
“If producers are left without a secure outlet for pigs, this could quickly become a wider welfare and supply-chain issue.
“That is why DAERA needs to be fully engaged. This is about protecting family farms, maintaining local production and ensuring Northern Ireland does not lose independent pig producers who have supported the supply chain for years,” Lynch said.
The UFU is seeking clarity from Sofina on the number of farm businesses affected, the volume of pigs involved, the notice and contractual arrangements, the criteria used in decision-making and the company’s long-term plans for Northern Ireland supply.
“Our members are not looking for sympathy. They are looking for facts, fairness and a future.
“Warm words about supporting Northern Ireland family farms are not enough. Producers need written clarity and practical action.
“UFU will continue to press Sofina, DAERA and the wider supply chain until affected members get the answers they deserve,” Lynch added.