McInnes calls for action on Pig Industry

6.00.00pm GMT Tue 18th Mar 2008

North East MSP Alison McInnes has added her support to the ailing Scottish pig industry as losses for pig farmers continue to stack up in the wake of the foot and mouth outbreak last year.

Mrs McInnes has written to major retailers urging them to take action and help pig farmers by paying a fair price to local producers. Currently farmers are averaging a loss of £26 for every pig they sell.

Commenting, Mrs McInnes said: "Even though last year's foot and mouth outbreak was contained to the south of England, farmers across the country, including those in North East Scotland have been badly affected.

"It is only right that the big supermarkets help farmers by paying a fair price for the produce they buy.

"Consumers can also play a vital part in helping keep local farmers in business by buying Scottish produced pork, and by asking their local retailers what they are doing to help keep Scottish pork on the shelves."