Emergency support will help pig producers, but we must fix the market behind it
Package is a welcome but short-term response to much deeper structural issue
Scotland’s pig producers have reached a position no farming sector wants to find itself in: needing emergency support simply to keep businesses going.
The Scottish government's announcement of a £2 million support package is a welcome recognition of the serious financial pressure facing independent pig producers. It follows months of engagement between NFU Scotland and the Scottish government, as well as retailer and processer engagement, to ensure the scale of the challenge facing the sector was fully understood.
The support will provide much-needed breathing space, but it is important to recognise it for what it is – a short-term response to much deeper structural issue. It is not a substitute for a marketplace that delivers a fair and sustainable return for the food our farmers produce.
The financial pressures did not emerge overnight. Since December 2025, the gap between what producers receive and the cost of production has been steadily increasing with losses of over one million per month since May. Behind those figures are family businesses making difficult decisions about investment, cashflow and confidence for the future.
Our pig producers continue to produce high-quality food to world-leading standards, but the reality is that production costs have risen while returns have failed to keep pace. That imbalance cannot continue if we want a thriving Scottish pig sector.
Pig production supports more than 2,200 jobs across its supply chain, but its importance goes much further. It underpins rural communities and other farming sectors, including arable businesses supplying grain for livestock feed. When one part of Scottish agriculture comes under pressure, the whole rural economy feels the impact.
The answer is not repeated sticking plasters; it’s creating a supply chain where value is shared more fairly from farm gate to supermarket shelf.
There are encouraging signs that progress is possible. Our ShelfWatch initiative, which audits what’s happening on Scottish supermarket shelves, shows what can be achieved when retailers prioritise Scottish sourcing. In our latest audit, the proportion of Scottish fresh pork on supermarket shelves increased from just 4 percent to 13 per cent, driven largely by Aldi's continued commitment and Tesco's introduction of Scottish pork. The latter of which I was pleased to see being actively promoted during a recent visit to my local Tesco store.
This demonstrates two things. First, retailers can support Scottish producers when they choose to do so. Second, consumers respond positively when Scottish products are visible and available.
Research shows 71 per cent of Scottish consumers are more likely to buy a product carrying the Saltire. But consumers can only support Scottish farmers if they are given the opportunity. Clearer sourcing information, greater transparency and stronger commitments to Scottish produce all help build confidence – for both shoppers and producers. Sometimes the smallest changes can have the biggest impact. During another recent store visit, I saw Scottish pork displayed alongside Danish pork in almost identical packaging. While the Scottish packs carried the Prime Scottish Pork logo, clearer differentiation would make it easier for shoppers to support our farmers.
The long-term success of Scottish pig production will not be measured by emergency funding. It will be measured by whether producers can make a fair return, plan for the future and keep producing Scottish pork - with retailers giving Scottish produce the place it deserves on their shelves. We will continue to work with government and the supply chain to secure a sustainable and resilience future for independent pig producers.
Andrew Connon is President of NFU Scotland
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