Written question WQ83589

The Welsh Government continues to engage with industry stakeholders and there is no indication of significant disruptions to the pig sector supply chain, or animal health and welfare issues on farms in Wales. Wales accommodates only 0.6% of the GB pig population, with most pork production consisting of niche offerings for the domestic market. The small-scale nature of the pig sector in Wales, which is largely focused on localised supply-chains, creates an element of resilience to the labour shortage challenges facing the UK pig industry.

Ten abattoirs in Wales slaughter pigs, all of which are categorised as small-scale, with annual slaughter rates ranging from 10 pigs to 7,000 pigs per site per annum. There are no reports of pigs backing up in the system in Wales. Pig slaughtering is a decision for food business operators (FBOs) and relates to commercial decisions, requisite infrastructure and skills. There have been no new requests from premises in Wales to slaughter pigs.

The Welsh Government has been in regular dialogue with the UK Government at both Ministerial and Official level regarding the issues affecting the food supply chain to identify and implement appropriate solutions. Resolving the labour problem is the responsibility of the UK Government, including the post Brexit immigration rules it has put in place. We have pressed them on this important issue and will continue to do so.