National Pig Association THE VOICE OF THE UK PIG INDUSTRY NPA is active on members' behalf in Brussels & Whitehall, and with processors, supermarkets & caterers - fighting for the growth and pros-perity of the UK pig industry.

However, 74 percent are transferring scrap metal to local dealers; 37 percent are returning used syringes and needles to vets and 39 percent are returning tyres to suppliers. If you wish to comment on the consultation please email Ann Petersson at NPA. These briefing documents provide all the background information you need:

• The NFU consultation brief, summarising the proposals (Word Doc)
• A brief on how farmers and growers may want to respond to the consultation questions (Word Doc)
• Defra's summary document in English (PDF)
• Defra's questionnaire (PDF)
• Defra's Q&A brief (Word Doc)

More facts needed

European pig producers are finding it difficult to forecast how the pigmeat market will develop in the months ahead, because of a lack of reliable data from some of the new member countries. For example, it is still not known what intervention stocks are held by Poland.

The European Commission has been urged to persuade the new countries to deliver some hard facts, by Copa-Cogeca (Committee of Professional Agricultural Organisations in the European Union and the General Confederation of Agricultural Co-operatives in the European Union).

Representatives have has also stressed the continuing fragility of the European pigmeat market, emphasising the level of indebtedness, and producers' cautious approach to the future.

Exports to Russia

European Union pigmeat exports to Russia increased 13 percent in the latest year-on-year comparison, assisted by the outbreak of foot and mouth in Brazil. But the longer-term picture is not encouraging as negotiations with Russia on veterinary certificates continue to be sticky.

European pig industry threatened by lower-standard imports

The relentless move towards trade liberalisation poses a significant threat to the European pigmeat industry. Copa-Cogeca pig representatives have reiterated their concern about cheap imports from countries with lower welfare and environmental standards. They have stressed the need for the Commission to robustly defend the industry when it comes to Mercosur deliberations on import quotas.

Meat and bonemeal

European Commission discussions on reintroducing fishmeal into ruminant diets have been postponed, following European Parliament opposition. Euro-MPs are concerned about consumer perception if fishmeal is reintroduced. Pig producer representatives on Copa-Cogeca contend that Parliament should at least be consistent: if it opposes fishmeal in ruminant diets it should demand a ban on imports of meat containing meat and bonemeal.

Source: National Pig Association - 13th December 2004