Reminder to Pig Farming Families that Support is Available
With many Scottish farming families working in the pig sector now facing incredibly difficult decisions about the future viability of their businesses, agricultural support charity RSABI is reminding farmers and farm workers that support is available.
With many Scottish farming families working in the pig sector now facing incredibly difficult decisions about the future viability of their businesses, agricultural support charity RSABI is reminding farmers and farm workers that support is available.
The combination of financial pressures, uncertainty about the future and the emotional strain of the current market situation can take a heavy toll and RSABI is keen to reassure those affected that they do not need to cope alone.
The charity provides practical, emotional and financial support to people in Scottish agriculture, including those currently or previously working in farming and their dependents. Support includes a free 24/7 helpline (0808 1234 555) and web chat, access to counselling, help with essential household costs, and guidance on issues such as benefits, debt and employment.
The charity says getting in touch quickly can make a real difference, whether someone needs a listening ear, short-term financial assistance, or support to explore practical options for moving forward.
“Farming families in the pig sector are dealing with very real challenges as a result of a global market situation completely out of their control, and the pressure can build up quickly with financial worries starting to affect every aspect of day-to-day life,” said Carol McLaren, Chief Executive of RSABI.
“We want people to know that RSABI is here to help in a confidential, professional and non-judgemental way. If you are struggling and feeling overwhelmed, please talk to someone and remember RSABI is here for you too, and the sooner you reach out to us the sooner we can start to help ease some of that burden and open up practical ways to move forward.”
The prevailing global pigmeat situation is resulting in very low cost pigmeat from Europe coming into the UK, leaving pig producers struggling to retain market share, according to Andy McGowan, Director of Scottish Pigs.
“What we are seeing is unprecedented market turmoil and it is even more heartbreaking as it comes just when there is growing interest from young people entering the industry in Scotland,” said Mr McGowan, welcoming the RSABI support.
“Our pig producers rightly take great pride in the job they do and the high welfare standards they operate to. It is very much a multi-generational business but now some producers are facing the real possibility of having to leave pigs after their family has devoted 40 or 50 years to the sector. Sadly this may also mean jobs will be lost among those who employ staff.”
Aberdeenshire pig farmer Danny Skinner, Vice-chair of the NFU Scotland Pigs Committee also urged fellow producers to take advantage of the support RSABI has to offer.
“The pig industry in Scotland is a very close-knit community and we are very supportive of each other but, especially at a time when everyone is feeling the strain, I would urge anyone struggling to cope to remember there is also help available at any time of night or day from RSABI.
“I know that some are feeling under a huge amount of angst at the prospect of having to go out of pigs, especially when we take so much pride in the standards of production in Scotland.”
RSABI offers free practical, financial, and emotional support including counselling services, delivered quickly after receiving the initial enquiry. Its free confidential support service is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, by calling 0808 1234 555 (calls won’t show up on phone bills) or through a confidential webchat service, available on RSABI’s website www.rsabi.org.uk.
