UK: Defra confirms one-month AHDB pork levy holiday in November

Ministers have confirmed one-month levy holidays for pig producers in England and Scotland during November, estimated to be worth just under £1 million in savings for levy payers. AHDB and Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) made the recommendation in response to the continued build-up of pigs on farm, falling prices and high production costs – and it has now been agreed by Ministers in both countries. The decision follows ongoing discussions between the two meat levy bodies, Government and industry to identify ways to help pig producers during these difficult times. Chairman of the AHDB Pork Board Mike Sheldon, who announced the plan during the Pigs Tomorrow Conference in September, said: “These challenges, in particular a shortage of skilled workers, come on top of pressure on margins largely due to rising feed costs. These issues are extremely concerning and therefore require industry-wide action to prevent the situation deteriorating into an animal welfare issue. “AHDB is already ...