Prince backs 'struggling' farmers

Farmers have held protests calling for "fairer prices"

The Prince of Wales has urged consumers to support British pig farmers who he says are going through "an immensely difficult time".

The prince urged people to buy products with the Quality Standard Mark in a statement read at the Pig and Poultry Fair at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire.

The prince said the sector was hit by "a huge rise in feed costs" and price rises were not being passed to farmers.

The British Pig Executive has been running a campaign for fairer prices.

'Decimation' fear

Prince Charles said: "There is a growing awareness of the problem and those retailers who are raising their prices should be congratulated.

"However, little, if any, of the increase is being passed down the chain to the farmer and, unless urgent action is taken, this country's pig sector, which has never received subsidies, could be decimated."

"This would be a tragedy for this country, which produces some of the finest quality pigs and which operates according to the highest standards of husbandry and animal welfare."

He said 40% of British pigs were reared outdoors which was "unique in Europe".

The prince added that as well as buying pork, bacon, ham and sausages with the Quality Standard Mark, consumers should look for products which are "clearly organic or free-range pigs raised by British farmers".

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