Scotland’s pig sector is under severe and sustained pressure, with producers facing ongoing financial losses that are now driving rapid herd reduction and placing long-term production capacity at risk. NFU Scotland is warning that without immediate and coordinated action from Government, retailers and the wider supply chain, Scotland risks losing a vital part of its food production base.
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Pig prices have fallen sharply in recent months, driven by a combination of EU market weakness, processing disruption, seasonal plant constraints and ongoing supply chain pressure. Lower European pricing continues to exert downward pressure across UK markets.
Scottish independent producers are particularly exposed. Producers in Scotland are reporting receiving prices as much as 15% below the UK Standard Pig Price (SPP) (180p/kg) for some loads, while production costs remain at approximately 188p/kg, meaning Scottish producers are getting well below cost of production. This imbalance is not marginal — it is structural and unsustainable. As a result, many businesses are now operating at losses of £700–£1,000 per sow place, with a typical 500-sow unit potentially facing annual losses in excess of £500,000 if things don’t turn around. These figures are forcing hard decisions on herd size, investment and future production.
The impact is already visible on farm. Scotland has lost an estimated 10% of its sow herd since the start of the year, as producers reduce numbers simply to manage financial survival. NFU Scotland warns that continued contraction at this pace risks tipping the sector below a viable base level of production, making recovery increasingly difficult if not impossible.
NFU Scotland is intensifying engagement with processors, retailers and will raise this immediately with the new Cabinet Secretary to call for urgent relief and longer-term structural change.
NFU Scotland’s ShelfWatch initiative, which monitors supermarket sourcing and the visibility of Scottish produce, continues to provide critical evidence on Scottish sourcing and retail performance, strengthening retailer engagement and driving clearer action on the visibility and availability of Scottish pork. Alongside this, Quality Meat Scotland are strengthening pork branding, improving market positioning, and highlighting pork’s nutrition, affordability, and sustainability. Meanwhile, NFU Scotland continues to push for fairer, more transparent supply chains, arguing that current practices are placing unsustainable pressure on producers.
NFU Scotland’s key priorities for the Scottish Government include supporting our calls for better origin labelling, increased Scottish pork in retail and public procurement, improved investment support, and stronger promotion of the sector, alongside coordinated engagement with Ministers.
The industry is also seeking targeted financial support amid significant losses, warning that continued low profitability threatens investment, production capacity, and long-term sustainability.
Andrew Connon, President of NFU Scotland said:
“The sector is now at a critical point. Without urgent action on pricing, fairness and market structure, Scotland risks irreversible loss of production capacity. NFU Scotland will continue to press for immediate action and long-term solutions to secure a sustainable future.”
Notes to editors:
- Read the latest blog with more detail on the topic here.
- An image of Andrew Connon is attached.
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Contact Megan Williams on 07920 018619