Nobody could accuse Britain's unsubsidised pig-keepers of sitting on their backsides and thinking the rest of the world owes them a living.
They have proved many times over the past 14 years that they are prepared to battle for their future.
•Currently they have launched their national Save Our Bacon campaign, which urges shoppers to look for the British Red Tractor quality mark.
•And in the past they have blockaded retail distribution depots to put an end to supermarkets' dishonest sourcing and labeling policies.
•They took a Labour government to Judicial Review, alleging discrimination against the pig sector.
•They made headlines around the world with their recording Stand By Your Ham.
•Last year they received wide acclaim for putting up 700 14ft banners alongside the nation's main roads and motorways, urging consumers to buy British Red Tractor bacon, sausages and pork.
•And increasingly they are moving closer to their customers by branding their products and selling them direct and through local, regional and even national outlets.
So it should come to no surprise that when it comes to promoting British bacon, sausages and pork, British pig farmers may be able to teach other farming sectors a thing or two.
This is illustrated by results from this year's British Pig and Poultry Fair's Champion Pork and Poultry Initiative, which aims to persuade everyone to do a bit — however small — to promote pork and poultry.
Over the two days of the show, 122 visitors pledged to be champions.
Forty percent were from the pig sector, 24 percent from eggs and poultry, and 18 percent from the allied trades.
Sixty-nine percent of those taking the pledge are already doing something to champion British pork and poultry and 68 percent pledged to do something new to help.
Twenty-seven percent of those making a pledge asked for more information and training on school visits, and talking to non-farming groups and the media.
Six percent of pig-keepers asked for more information about media training, compared to 4 percent of eggs and poultry.
Among the pledges made by visitors to British Pig and Poultry Fair were:
•To put up a banner.
•Brand vehicles.
•Use Facebook and Twitter to promote pork and/or poultry.
•Write to an MP or MEP.
•Engage with local customers, restaurants, supermarkets.
•Talk to local community groups.
•Host a school visit or visit a school.
•Write an article for the local paper.
•Promote consumer-facing websites.
•Get coverage on local radio.
Meat Trade News Daily Supporting British Pig Farmers
Source: Pig World
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