COACHES from the West Country took local pig farmers to a London rally aimed at securing fairer prices. They were joined at the 'Pigs are worth it!' rally on March 4 by West Devon MP Geoffrey Cox, who is urging supermarket bosses and processors to help ensure higher prices flow down the supply chain to farmers. Mr Cox said pig farmers did not want special treatment, just a fairer share. 'Prices are going up but farmers are not getting a share of it. It is vital that our pig farmers are given a level playing field on which to compete.' A petition signed by more than 13,000 consumers saying they were happy to pay more for high welfare pork to help farmers was presented to Downing Street. 'Winnie the Pig' also took part in the rally. British Pig executive chairman Stewart Houston said they had reached crisis point and without an increase, farmers stood to lose approximately £200 million in the next year and many faced the prospect of going out of business.
