Wednesday, 5 2008

Save our bacon

Yesterday's demonstration by pig farmers at Downing Street marks a desperate attempt to raise awareness of the economic difficulties they are facing.

The reasons are not hard to see; soaring grain prices have destroyed margins and higher welfare obligations add costs that others do not carry. As things stand producers are giving up fast.

With UK self sufficiency in pork products at only around 60%, you would expect supermarkets to be keen to retain their UK suppliers and offer a bit more. But its not happening. And don't expect any interest from the Government.

If you think that the UK's best interests are served by having a domestic pig industry that offers quality meat produced under high welfare standards, then please write and say so to any or all of the following:

Mr Justin King Chief Executive J Sainsbury PLC 33 Holborn London EC1N 2HT

Mr Marc Bolland Chief Executive WM Morrison Supermarkets PLC Hilmore House Gain Lane Bradford BD3 7DL

Sir Terry Leahy Chief Executive Tesco PLC Tesco House Delamare Road Cheshunt Hertfordshire EN8 9SL

Mr Andy Bond Chief Executive ASDA Asda House Southbank Great Wilson Street Leeds LS11 5AD