PorkLink scheme to offer greater stability

A joint initiative between the supermarket, Vion Food Group and Scottish Pig Producers it builds on the existing track record of BeefLink and LambLink and, said Vion chairman Peter Barr, was “a big step forward.”

Not least it is hoped that PorkLink will play a part in levelling the boom-bust scenario that has plagued the pig industry and sapped producer confidence.

Asda senior pork buyer Paul Armstrong said key benefits included a bonus payment on Q-grade pigs which was expected to deliver an additional £250,000 to suppliers into Vion’s Broxburn plant.

Seven-day terms

Payment would be on seven-day terms – BACS if required – and it was also intended to launch a PorkLink training and research farm. Regular producer group meetings would be held to help strengthen links with producers and the Vion Farmingnet scheme would be extended to the PorkLink programme enabling finishers to access their kill data and other management information on-line.

Asda, said Mr Armstrong, sourced some 80 per cent of its pork from Scotland and the scheme would give it more consistent supply and enhanced quality.

Scottish Pig Producers chairman, and Aberdeenshire finisher, Sandie Howie, said he believed the scheme would indeed deliver greater stability for the country’s pig farmers and restore confidence.