A new £2 million support scheme has been introduced by the Scottish Government to assist independent pig producers facing mounting financial pressure from a sustained drop in market prices.
The funding is aimed at farms most at risk as the sector grapples with ongoing market disruption, which is threatening both business viability and the long-term future of the Prime Scottish Pork brand. Since the start of the year, Scotland has lost an estimated 15% of sows in the independent sector, with four producers already exiting the market.
The decline in pig prices has been driven by a combination of factors, including weakness in European markets, processing disruption, seasonal plant constraints and continued supply chain pressures. Lower pricing across Europe has also placed sustained downward pressure on UK markets.
Under the scheme, eligible producers will be able to claim the difference between the price they received for their pigs and 85% of the Standard Pig Price (SPP), the average UK deadweight price. The support will apply retrospectively to losses incurred from March, with applications opening on 15 July and the scheme expected to run until August 2026.
Rural Affairs Secretary Gillian Martin said the intervention was necessary to support the most vulnerable businesses during an “incredibly difficult time” for the sector.
“The pig sector is going through an incredibly difficult time, and I want to do all we can to help the most vulnerable farms,” she said.
“The price shock is being felt across the UK, which is why I am taking action – in a challenging financial context – to provide an additional £2 million of direct support to independent Scottish pig producers who have been hit hardest.
“This vital funding, which is only available in Scotland, will help protect local jobs, sustain Scotland’s pork supply chain, safeguard the Prime Scottish Pork brand, and protect the production of high-quality, high welfare, locally produced food.”
Martin also confirmed she has written to the UK Government calling for urgent action to support the wider pig industry, including increased investment in border biosecurity to prevent diseases such as African Swine Fever entering the UK.
Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) Chair Kate Rowell welcomed the funding, describing it as both practical and emotional support for producers under significant strain.
“The Scottish Government’s funding support for the Scottish pig sector is greatly appreciated and will provide much needed practical and mental relief from the significant pressures our producers are currently under,” she said.
Rowell highlighted a sharp decline in producer confidence, noting that breeding sow slaughter rose by nearly 40% year-on-year at Scottish abattoirs during the first five months of 2026, raising concerns about future pork production levels.
Despite the challenges, she pointed to strong consumer backing for Scottish produce. “A recent independent survey commissioned by QMS showed unwavering consumer support for local produce, with eight out of 10 respondents in Scotland saying they want their supermarkets to prioritise stocking Scottish red meat over imported alternatives.”
She added that the funding would help maintain the availability of local pork, protect the Prime Scottish Pork brand and support a sector worth around £300 million to Scotland.
Roderic Bruce, United Pig Co-operative Board Director for Scotland, also welcomed the intervention, while acknowledging it would not fully offset the financial pressures facing producers.
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“The Scottish Government’s £2 million support package is extremely welcome and will provide much-needed assistance to pig producers during an exceptionally difficult period,” he said.
“While this funding cannot fully compensate for the shockingly poor market prices currently being offered, it will help bridge part of the gap and provide some relief at a time when producers are receiving significantly less for their pigs than they were this time last year.”
He added that the prolonged downturn has left many producers questioning their future in the industry, but said the support could provide “breathing space” to help stabilise confidence until market conditions improve.
