The National Pig Association (NPA) has welcomed the introduction of new regulations aimed at bringing about a fairer pig supply chain.

The Fair Dealing Obligations (Pigs) regulations 2025 have been introduced following the pig crisis of 2021 and 2022 that the NPA said had “exposed serious imbalances of power in the supply chain and the lack of credible contractual relations in place between pig sellers and buyers”.

The new regulations, developed in consultation with industry over the past three years, follow similar legislation already in place in the dairy industry, with the process also ongoing for the fresh produce and egg sectors. They will be phased in over 12 months.

The NPA has played a big part in drafting the pig regulations over the past three years, taking on board comments from members and working closely with the previous and current governments, but has stressed that they need to be kept under continuous review.

Chief executive Lizzie Wilson said: “We have worked hard to ensure these regulations provide the protection and clarity pig producers need in their contractual relations with buyers.

“At the same time, we have made sure they retain the necessary flexibility for both sides so that no-one is penalised for circumstances out of their control and the market can continue to function normally. We believe the regulations have achieved that balance.”

From 13 August, all new pig supply contracts need to be in
writing by default. This will also apply to existing agreements from 13 August, 2026.

The contracts will need to include, among other things, clear terms on:

  • the duration of the agreement
  • the pricing mechanism used
  • the supply of contracted pig numbers for both buyers and sellers
  • force majeure clauses in relation to the collection or delivery of pigs for producers and processors
  • a dispute resolution procedure.

The NPA has developed detailed guidance for members, which is available in the members’ area of the association’s website. Public affairs manager Tom Haynes said: “The regulations should be relatively easy for all parties to comply with, but it is essential that everyone knows exactly what is required of them.”

During its discussions with DEFRA, the NPA was adamant that the ability to review and alter the regulations should be included within the regulation.

“We were pleased that DEFRA listened to us on this,” Lizzie said. “There is a requirement for the Secretary of State to review these regulations and publish a report at least every five years, including an assessment of whether the provisions need to be changed.”

She added that the new agricultural supply chain adjudicator was “keen to hear of instances where the regulations might not be delivering as, if a common theme is emerging, it is his duty to raise the issue and find a resolution”.

Photo © National Pig Association