Jamie Saves Our Bacon On the front line of pig farming

Date Published:

26/01/2009

As Jamie Oliver embarks on his mission to get the country buying British pork Hannah Williams caught up with pig farmer, Fred Henley, from Jamie Saves Our Bacon, to find out what life is like on the front line for British pig farmers

How long have your family been involved in pig farming?

About 40 years. My father had a small farm with a bit of everything and I had a few pigs that I used to look after when I was at school, so I suppose it might be even longer than that.

And how is the situation in the industry at the moment?

I've had a pretty tough time. Things have been going downhill as there's not enough money in pigs anymore. It's competition from abroad but a lot of it's because there are fewer buyers both from supermarkets and the retail sector and catering and the service sector. The government's not particularly supportive either.

How could the government ease the burdens the industry is facing?

Buy more of our stuff for one thing and get a clearer system of labelling. I'd like to think I'd have a good idea of where things come from but it's very difficult to see on some of the packets. I use reading glasses so you've got to be fishing those out to read because the print is so small. The situation is getting better but it's going to take a very long time.

And what about shoppers - what can we do?

Look out for the British stuff. The majority of people shop in supermarkets and they're not going to alter their habits and start going to the local butcher. Let's be realistic, most people are going to go to the supermarket - that's why we need to get better labelling. And people are still going to buy on price. I'm sure outside the supermarket they'll be supporting us, but when they're inside it comes down to price.

Do you think the show will help to highlight the industry's problems?

I'm sure it'll make a difference. Jamie can reach far more people than we can and teach them about labelling. People should be looking for the Quality Standard Mark not just the Union Jack. The Quality Standard Mark is just for UK pig farmers and no one else can use that because it bans the use of sow stalls.

Despite the improvements, is it too late for some farmers?

It comes far too late for a lot of people around here as they've already gone. The whole way of life as changed. There used to be local markets for the small to mid-range farmers and they were a social occasion as well as business. I've only got a few pigs in the barns because a neighbour wanted to store them, but if things had been different 15 years ago my son might have been working with me now - and we'd have a much bigger farm.

Read more about Jamie Saves Our Bacon.

Read the 4Food pork label jargon buster.

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