DAVID HEATH SUPPORTS RALLY TO SECURE THE FUTURE OF PIG FARMING

2.34.00pm GMT Mon 10th Mar 2008

David Heath, MP for Somerton and Frome, last week attended the Pigs Are Worth It! Rally in London, where he met constituents involved in the pig industry, who are fighting to secure the future of the British pig industry. Hundreds of pig farmers also attended the event and presented a campaign petition to 10 Downing Street. Over 10,000 signatures have already been logged by the British Pig Executive (BPEX)'s online e-petition calling for fair prices.

David has also signed EDM 1097 "BRITISH PIG FARMING AND THE PIGS ARE WORTH IT! CAMPAIGN", congratulating the British pig industry on its high production standards and notes concern over the high losses for pig farmers as a result of higher animal feed prices and continuing costs.

Commenting David said:

"I was encouraged today by the level of support shown for British pig farmers while on the London rally. I hope that the rally and petition will have the desired effect and that the government will listen to the pig farming industry.

I am deeply concerned about the high price of animal feed and the unsustainable losses for pig farmers. British farming has had a rough few years, and it seems that it is only going to continue to get worse unless the government and consumer take action.

We can all help by paying that little bit extra for the Quality Standard Mark and contribute towards farmers who produce to high standards of welfare. If things don't change we'll see a lot of farmers going out of business."