The two men agreed on the scale of the problem facing European pig producers and plan to meet in a few days for further talks. NPA and BPEX also plan to involve Germany, Holland and perhaps Spain in collaborative action to prevent further melt-down in the European pig sector.

Stewart Houston has also spoken to food and farming minister Jeff Rooker. The minister praised the industry for the self-help measures it has planned and pledged his support. A further meeting is planned mid-week.

Following their telephone conference on Friday, the board of BPEX have arranged an emergency meeting at Peterborough this coming Thursday, 23 August. A raft of measures will be discussed including possibly suspending the levy.

Top of tomorrow's NPA and BPEX agenda will be to try and get the foot-and-mouth 50km-100km movement limits increased.