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A new £2 million support scheme for Scotland’s independent pig producers has been launched to help with the significant market challenges facing the sector.
The funding aims to support farms most at risk from a prolonged drop in pig prices, which is threatening businesses and the long-term viability of the Prime Scottish Pork brand. Scotland has lost an estimated 15% of sows in the independent sector since the start of the year and four producers have already exited the market.
Pig price falls have been driven by a combination of EU market weakness, processing disruption, seasonal plant constraints and ongoing supply chain pressure, while lower European pricing continues to exert downward pressure across UK markets.
As independent producers have consistently been receiving substantially lower market prices than normal, those eligible will be able to claim the difference between the price they received for their pigs and 85% of the Standard Pig Price (SPP), which is the average UK deadweight price.
The scheme will open to applications from 15 July. The support will apply retrospectively to losses incurred since March, with provision for the scheme to continue until August 2026.
July 10, 2026/ Scottish Government/ United Kingdom.
https://www.gov.scot
