Scottish pig farmers say £2m support package insufficient amid crisis

Independent pig farmers in Scotland welcomed a £2m emergency support package from the Scottish government on July 10, 2026, but expressed concerns that it is not enough to mitigate their financial losses. An outbreak of African Swine Fever in Spain has disrupted exports to key markets like China, leading to an oversupply of pork across Europe and significantly reducing wholesale prices.

Financial Struggles of Scottish Pig Farmers

Farming leaders estimate that the Scottish pig industry is currently losing approximately £1 million each month. Some producers have already exited the sector due to unsustainable conditions. Danny Skinner, a farmer from Duncanstone near Insch, Aberdeenshire, reports losses of about £40 per pig sold, totaling nearly £10,000 in weekly losses.

Skinner stated, "We are still majorly going to be in debt. We’re very grateful for something but it’s not going to be the answer to our problems at the moment." The support package allows qualifying farmers to claim back some losses by receiving the difference between their selling price and 85% of the Standard Pig Price (SPP), which has recently been around £1.75 per kg.

Government Response and Industry Impact

The Rural Affairs Secretary, Gillian Martin, acknowledged the challenging financial context, stating, "This vital funding, which is only available in Scotland, will help protect local jobs and sustain Scotland's pork supply chain." She has also called upon the UK government for more urgent actions, including enhancing border biosecurity to prevent African Swine Fever from entering the UK.

According to the Scottish government, the total number of sows has decreased by about 15% since the beginning of the year, with four producers leaving the pig sector. The pig farming industry does not qualify for government subsidies, making the current crisis particularly challenging.

Long-Term Concerns for the Pig Sector

The funding will be applied retrospectively to losses incurred since March and will continue until August. However, farmers under the same ownership as abattoirs will not qualify for this funding, raising concerns about fairness in aid distribution.

Andrew Connon, president of NFU Scotland, described the situation as "totally unsustainable" and stated it is the worst crisis pig farmers have faced in over 50 years. He emphasized the need for a fair price for pork, which is currently below production costs, threatening the viability of the industry.

The £2m funding may provide temporary relief, but the ongoing low prices could force more farmers to consider leaving the sector, increasing reliance on pork imports.