PIG producers, affected by the temporary closure of the abattoir at Brechin last year, and subsequent suspension of its China export licence, will receive more financial support as the hardship scheme is to be extended for a second and final time.
The Pig Producers Hardship Support Scheme launched in August 2021, providing eligible pig producers with essential funding of £715,000. It was targeted at those who had supplied the Quality Pig Processors (QPP) plant at Brechin over a fixed period. It was extended in January 2022 by a further £680,000, and will now see an additional £410,000 of support made available, bringing the scheme total to just over £1.8 million.
The additional funds will compensate farmers directly for the £7.50 reduction in price they have been paid per pig by QPP Brechin between 1 October and 31 December 2021. It also includes half of the price deductions per pig from QPP Brechin for April 2021, which were not covered by the scheme previously.
Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said:
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“The last year has been particularly challenging for our pig industry. We are providing them with cash flow security by extending the scheme once again to cover deductions that were not previously compensated for.
“We know that this funding has been a lifeline for them. 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.”
