Pig News
Eight firms are taking part in the pig industry scholarship scheme, run by AHDB Pork and Harper Adams
The next stage in the process is for the companies taking part to attend the scholarship fair taking place in October (this year). Here they will find the students they need.
“This year we have four new companies that have agreed to take part,” said skills and training co-ordinator Sam Bowsher.
“Overall that is slightly fewer than last year, but that is good for the industry as there is a constant flow of new firms which are providing opportunities for students. Existing companies are encouraged to dip in and out, according to the needs of the business.”
The training scheme is now in its third year. The students who are taken onto the scholarship programme will take part in a year-long placement. The sponsoring firm may be able to offer a post for the student once they qualify from the programme
Tulip and Scottish pork producers have taken control of a Scottish processing plant as part of a new collaboration said to be “fantastic news” for the Scottish pig industry.
Pork processor Tulip has teamed up with pig supply co-operatives Scotlean Pigs and Scottish Pig Producers in a new entity called Quality Pork Limited (QPL), at a pork facility in Brechin, based in Angus,
Bob Yuill, deputy chief executive of the Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society (SAOS), which supports co-operative farming in Scotland welcomed the initiative: “It is very significant that the plant is now effectively in the hands of pig producers. This strategic collaboration amongst the co-ops is hugely important and an example of the kind of cross-European partnership that we need to see more of.”
QPL said they have future plans on upgrading the site by adding a new slaughter line, chilling and lorry wash facilities which will increase the capacity of the operation.
Andrew Saunders, director of agriculture at Tulip, explained: “The purchase of the facility by QPL is fantastic news for the whole of the Scottish pig industry and their planned upgrade to increase the site’s capacity will mean that even more people across the UK and further afield will be able to enjoy quality Scottish pork.” –
QPL said the initiative was supported by the Scottish Government: “The Scottish government has been very supportive of this initiative and I am confident that by working closely with Quality Meat Scotland, Scottish Pig Producers, Scotlean and Tulip we can help secure the future of the Scottish pig industry.”