The Scottish pig industry is facing a ‘dire' crisis, with farmers reporting the worst financial situation they have seen in generations.
Many pig farmers have been served notices with a high degree of uncertainty reported across the centre.
Andy McGowan, technical manager at United Pig Cooperative, said the situation with African Swine Fever in Spain had put pressure on prices.
"It has ripped the bottom out of the market," he said, adding there was a huge amount of product around with processors struggling to get good prices.
"We have lost some herds in Scotland, for the first time in a long time. And I think if we do not see some improvement there may be more."
He added pig farmers needed to invest in new housing systems or other infrastructure, but questioned who would want to invest millions if there was no certainty.
Scottish pigs
NFU Scotland president Andrew Connon said one member had told him it was the worst situation he had seen in 50 years in the pig business.
"There are multi-generational family businesses here saying it is the worst financial crisis that they have seen," he said.
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"The industry is haemorrhaging so much money at the moment."
Mr McGowan added there had been really constructive discussions with Government in Scotland and Northern Ireland and it ‘would be good to see similar in Westminster'.
"Historically we are a sector that hasn't really been supported by Government. We want a market solution. We want a fair price for the pigs that people have put so much time and effort into producing."
Mr McGowan also highlighted issues with labelling, stating it was ‘very easy' to label something as Scottish bacon despite being made with imported meat as it was ‘perfectly legal'.
"We think that needs to be strengthened. The consumers they want to support local if its put in front of them."
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Mr Connon added they had highlighted to Government that time was against them and the clock was ticking.
"There are 2,200 jobs at stake in the supply chain."
He added the message to consumers was to ‘look out for Scottish pork, ask for Scottish pork and buy Scottish pork'.
Gillian Martin, Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs, said the Government was looking at potential support.
She highlighted during the pandemic, the Government had stepped in to support the sector.
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"We have been meeting with members of the pig sector and NFUS. They have been subjected to situation out with anyone's control."
She added they had heard heartbreaking stories and Scottish Government had to intervene.
