Waitrose pledges further support for pig farmers
Waitrose has strengthened its emergency support package to help pig farmers as they battle against falling prices.
In a statement, the supermarket said it will be extending its pledge to pay a fair and sustainable minimum price for pork to all of its farmers, even if prices continue to fall.
Jake Pickering, senior agriculture manager for Waitrose, said: “We need to support our farmers before it’s too late to save their bacon. They kept food on our tables through the pandemic, and we need to help them through their tough times too.
“By guaranteeing a base price for pork, we’re protecting farmers for the months ahead and allowing them to plan for a long-term, sustainable future.”
The move follows on from Waitrose’s previous commitment which was announced in November 2021. At the time, the supermarket agreed to review the pledge on a regular basis.
Details of the latest support were shared at a pig crisis summit which was chaired by the The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 10 February. Bringing together leading retailers, the National Pig Association, National Farmers’ Union and leading pork processors, the meeting sought to find long-term solutions for the problem.
Rob Mutimer, pig producer and NPA chair, said: “We welcome Waitrose’s continued support of the British pig industry. The commitment made shows that there is a huge amount retailers can do in terms of the price and promotion of British pork; only with their support can we plan for a sustainable future for our industry.”
Pickering added: “We’re urging other competitors to follow our lead, committing to 100% British pork and supporting farmers when it matters most.”
