Scottish Government announces £2 million support for independent pig producers

The Scottish Government has launched a new £2 million support scheme for Scotland’s independent pig producers, to help with the significant market challenges facing the sector.

The funding aims to support farms most at risk from a prolonged drop in pig prices, which is threatening businesses and the long-term viability of the Prime Scottish Pork brand.

Pig price falls have been driven by a combination of EU market weakness, processing disruption, seasonal plant constraints and ongoing supply chain pressure, while lower European pricing continues to exert downward pressure across UK markets.

As independent producers have consistently been receiving substantially lower market prices than normal, those eligible will be able to claim the difference between the price they received for their pigs and 85% of the Standard Pig Price (SPP), which is the average UK deadweight price.

The scheme is now open to applications, and will apply retrospectively to losses incurred since March, with provision for the scheme to continue until August 2026.

How to Apply

For more information and to apply for the support scheme, please visit the dedicated Scottish Pig Producers Support Scheme page on the Scottish Government Website.