Language training, pork quality and confidence survey projects from BPEX

FOREIGN language training guidelines, a new scheme striving for consistent pork quality and a ‘confidence survey’ – those are the three latest projects from the British Pig Executive (BPEX).

The training guidelines have been designed to help pig farmers overcome the initial language problems when employing new staff from eastern Europe.

They are available in four languages – Lithuanian, Russian, Romanian and Polish – and cover food and water, handling and moving pigs, restraining pigs, sick pig management, hygiene, useful words and slap marking.

Mark Wilson, BPEX director of pig industry development, said: “These sheets cover the basics and will help people get over the first few days when communication can be difficult.

“They are especially good for some of the more technical aspects where a specialised vocabulary is required. This is something that can take a long time to acquire.

“They came about after discussions with the larger pig producers and vets about the communications problems they faced with some foreign workers.

“Russian was one of those chosen because, though not many are from Russia, most of them do speak and understand it – it’s a bridging language.”

The new pork quality scheme has been launched by BPEX and the meat quality research group at Bristol University.

The aim is to achieve high and consistent quality pork by working on an individual level with pork processors. The scheme will be free, although there will be a cost if any analysis or measurements are required.

Silvia Nicolau-Solano, BPEX knowledge transfer manager, said: “Getting top quality, consistent pork and pork products is vital for the future of the British pig industry.

“A number of the larger processors have already expressed an interest in the project but it is open to all. Those interested will have to complete a short questionnaire, which will be followed by a visit from a BPEX KT manager and someone from Bristol University to discuss key issues. All this will be strictly confidential.”

The ‘confidence survey’, the first of its kind to be conducted by BPEX, suggested producers were taking a cautious view of the future.

However, the rest of the industry had a more positive outlook. These two figures between them gave an indication of the likelihood of further investment over the next year.

Across the board, the main factor limiting investment was the potential return, though for producers lack of cash in the business and uncertainty about demand for pig meat were also important.

The survey also examined the quality of service provided by BPEX, which came out showing the lowest score was satisfactory but the majority were good.

Overall, the industry was more optimistic about the financial future than a year ago but, within that, processors were more optimistic than producers.

From the producer point of view, the numbers planning to invest to meet the demands of environmental legislation equalled the number seeking to increase capacity.

The results for capacity also showed retailers were running at 100 per cent while producers were at 69 per cent and processors at 62 per cent.

• To order the foreign language guidelines contact Miriam Drewett on 01908 844749 or miriam_drewett@bpex.org.uk; to take part in the new quality scheme email silvia_nicolau@bpex.org.uk. To view the full results from the confidence survey visit www.bpex. org.uk.