AHDB has engaged BMG Research to conduct an in-depth survey of British pig buildings.
The survey has been commissioned to help AHDB gain insight into what pig housing is currently in use and what the future needs of the industry might be, so they can support producers accordingly.
The results will be discussed with Defra and other key stakeholders, to inform future policies and activities, which are currently based on historic data.
As part of this market research, producers’ attitudes toward investment and decision making will also be explored.
‘Key to productivity, health, welfare’
Nigel Penlington, head of environment and buildings at AHDB, said: “Buildings are key to productivity, health, welfare and, ultimately, the success of the industry. To deliver this, we need buildings to be updated and replaced at a steady rate.
“Our knowledge of the types and ages of buildings in use is poor, as is our understanding of what is driving investment and what the barriers to investment might be.”
In its response to Defra’s consultation on its Clean Air Strategy, the National Pig Association (NPA) previously suggested that new environmentally-controlled pig buildings would be able to deliver reduced ammonia loss.
Grants do exist under the Growth Programme – a scheme which has typically has provided a percentage (often 40%) of costs. However, this is capped at £250,000, a level many pig building and core infrastructure costs are often in excess of.
To address the gaps in AHDB’s knowledge, BMG Research will be quantifying the number of pigs housed in various building types, looking for trends in age of buildings used and determining rates of investment.
It is important a representative sample of the industry is reached as part of this market research to help ensure the survey delivers accurate results and AHDB is calling for as many producers as possible to get involved.
BMG will be calling producers directly, or alternatively, willing producers can register their interest on the BMG Research website.
All information collected will be used solely for the purpose of this market research and will not be shared with any other parties.
