UK pig producers, government discuss EU stall ban

Working together was the key message to come out of a meeting between British pig producers and UK Farm Minister Jim Paice to discuss the forthcoming EU ban on stalls and tethers. The meeting, which also involved British Pig Executive director Mick Sloyan, Zoe Davies of the National Pig Association and Stewart Houston, who is chairman of both organizations, also highlighted several other upcoming industry measures. “While the focus of the meeting was definitely on the stalls ban, we reminded each other there were one or two other measures coming in at the same time," said Sloyan. "These include slat design, stocking rates for pregnant gilts and sows and overall floor areas. It was agreed the government would write to all registered pig producers reminding them of the changes.” The importance of maintaining regular dialogue with the European Commission to understand the process of ensuring compliance across the EU was also stressed. "There was a great deal of support all round and we hope this was the first of what will become regular meetings as we get closer to 2013, when the EU-wide ban comes into operation,” said Sloyan.