A 10p cut in the pig levy has been announced as part of a strategy agreed by the board of the British Pig Executive (BPEX) to help the industry in its hour of need.

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The one-year cut, which takes effect from April 1, reduces the total levy paid by producers to 75p per pig slaughtered.

The BPEX Board took a strategic decision to use reserves to increase spending by £2.5m.

The extra money is being spent on promoting the industry and building on the continuing feed cost crisis campaign to maintain the momentum built up so far aimed at getting a fair price for producers.

There is also a range of Knowledge Transfer and Research and Development work including a £1.5 million PCV2 vaccination scheme which offers producers vouchers for the vaccine.

BPEX Chief Executive Mick Sloyan said: "As the industry is in crisis due to the huge increase in feed costs, the board decided to use the reserves to provide a direct benefit to producers in their time of need.

"We are aware of the magnitude of what we are trying to achieve and will use every resource we have at our disposal to assist the industry.

"The Board believes these initiatives will enhance the range of activities already being delivered and this is the best way BPEX can help the whole English pig industry meet the considerable challenges ahead.

"The temporary reduction in the levy paid by English producers has been approved by ministers and will come into force from April 1 for the financial year 2008/09."

Notes:
The total levy collected is currently £1.05, of which 85p is paid by producers and 20p by processors. From April 1 the contribution from English producers will fall to 75p per pig slaughtered.

As a result of the restructuring of UK agricultural levy boards, from April 2008, pig levies will be raised separately in Scotland and Wales by QMS and HCC respectively.

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