Last November, it was estimated that the sector was down by around 15 to 20 per cent on the staff required. Pig prices have fallen dramatically, and some farms have been forced out of business as a result.
Since then the crisis has continued, with the National Pig Association (NPA) estimating that numbers may be even higher than Prentis outlined, saying around 35,000 pigs have been culled since the beginning of the crisis in September.
Subscribe to The Big IssueFrom just £3 per week
Take a print or digital subscription to The Big Issue and provide a critical lifeline to our work. With each subscription we invest every penny back into supporting the network of sellers across the UK.
A subscription also means you'll never miss the weekly editions of an award-winning publication, with each issue featuring the leading voices on life, culture, politics and social activism.
Prentis said Defra does not collect data on the number of pigs culled, meaning the numbers could actually be even higher than 35,000.
In spite of repeated pleas from pig farmers for compensation, Prentis recently responded to a parliamentary question on the matter by saying that the government “does not provide financial support for the culling of animals”.
“Responsibility for animal welfare on the farm remains with the owner/keeper, who should have contingency plans in place to ensure the welfare of their animals,” she added.
Support The Big IssueGive your local vendor a hand up and buy the magazine
Each of our vendors buy their copies of the mag for £1.50 each, selling them for £3 and keeping the difference. Visit our interactive map to find your nearest vendor.
Last October the government attempted to increase staffing levels in the sector by offering seasonal visas to workers from abroad, but delays due to the Omicron variant of coronavirus mean that many are yet to arrive.
More recently, it opened a Slaughter Incentive Payment Scheme (SIPS) which contributed to the cost of extra slaughter shifts at abattoirs.
Farmers remain concerned that government measures won’t be enough to tackle the crisis, however, warning that further farms could be put out of business if more stringent measures aren’t taken.
Prentis said the government was tackling the issue with several different measures.
“We have provided a package of measures to help address the challenging circumstances that the pig sector has faced. These include temporary work visas for up to 800 pork butchers, and Private Storage Aid (PSA) and Slaughter Incentive Payment (SIP) schemes to facilitate an increase in the throughput of pigs through abattoirs.
“In addition, Defra continues to work with the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board and other government departments to expand existing markets and to open up new export markets for British pork,” she said.