Written Question · S7W-01633 · Session 7
Further to the answers to questions S7W-00799 and S7W-01152 by Gillian Martin on 16 June and 8 July 2026 respectively, in light of the cab…
The question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answers to questions S7W-00799 and S7W-01152 by Gillian Martin on 16 June and 8 July 2026 respectively, in light of the cabinet secretary’s comment in June regarding her “considering what support the Scottish Government can provide, both in the short term and in the longer term to ensure the sustainability of this important sector [the Pig Industry in Scotland]", and in July that she “met with the Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator, at the Royal Highland Show on 18 June, to discuss how the Fair Dealing Obligations (Pigs) Regulations 2025 may assist producers in their contracts, bringing balance and transparency to the pork supply chain”, whether it will confirm what (a) progress has been made with this consideration and (b) (i) financial and (i) other assistance it is providing to the industry, and how it will measure the effectiveness of this.
The answer
Further to my engagement with the sector, I announced on 10 July that the Scottish Government would provide £2 million of direct support to independent Scottish pig producers who have been hit hardest by the market pressures. The Scottish pig Producers Support Scheme opened to applications on 15 July. The support will cover losses between what farmers were paid, and 85% of the Standard Pig Price, between March and August 2026. This vital funding, which is only available in Scotland, will help protect local jobs, sustain Scotland’s pork supply chain, safeguard the Prime Scottish Pork brand, and protect the production of high-quality, high welfare, locally produced food.I have also written to the UK Government calling for urgent action to support the pig industry, including following our example and increasing resources and investment to improve biosecurity at our borders to prevent diseases such as African Swine Fever entering the country, which have exacerbated the price issues facing the sector.We will continue to work with the sector through these challenging times.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S7W-01633 by reference.