Pig hardship scheme extended

A further £410,000 of support is to be made available to the country’s pig producers under an extension of the Scottish Government’s hardship scheme.

The administration said that producers affected by thetemporaryclosureofthe abattoir at Brechin last year, and the subsequent suspension of its China export licence,wouldreceivemore financial support when the hardship scheme was extended for a second and final time.

The Pig Producers Hardshipsupportschemelaunched inaugust2021,andprovidedeligible pig producers with essential funding of £715,000. It was targeted at those who had suppliedthequalitypigprocessors (QPP) plant at Brechin over a fixed period. It was extended in January 2022 by a further £680,000, and together with the latest £410,000, brings the scheme total to just over £1.8 million.

The additional funds will compensate farmers directly for the £7.50 reduction in price they were paid per pig by QPP Brechin between 1 October and 31 December 2021. It also includeshalfofthepricedeductions per pig from QPP Brechin for April 2021, which were not previously covered by the scheme.

Acknowledging that the last year had been challenging for the sector, Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said the move would provide cash flow security by extending the schemetocoverdeductions previouslynotcovered:“we know that this funding has been a lifeline for producers. The scheme will open in the next few weeks and again I would encourage all eligible producers to submit their applications and benefit from this additional financial support.”