UFU meets Tesco to discuss Sofina Foods pig producer concerns
The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has met with Tesco representatives to raise concerns on behalf of Northern Ireland pig producers affected by uncertainty around supply arrangements with Sofina Foods.
The union said the meeting comes as concern is growing among its members about notice being served in relation to pig supply into Sofina’s Cookstown site.
Sofina Foods previously confirmed to Agriland that a "small number" of Northern Ireland pig supply contracts will not be renewed at the end of this year.
The company said the decision reflects "the continued downward pressure on the market".
UFU
UFU deputy president Clement Lynch said the meeting with Tesco was "constructive" and gave the union the opportunity to set out the seriousness of the situation directly.
"These are family farm businesses with pigs on the ground, breeding programmes in place, bills to pay, and long-term investments made.
"They need clear communication, fair treatment, and certainty around their future," he said.
The UFU deputy president added that Tesco reaffirmed its commitment to Northern Ireland produce and local sourcing.
"Tesco made clear that its commitment to Northern Ireland produce is genuine and that, where possible, it wants to source local. That is an important message for our members.
"We were also encouraged to hear Tesco state that its commitment is with primary producers, and that a core principle for them is that farming must be a sustainable business.
"That matters because the current situation facing affected pig producers goes far beyond a contract issue. It is about whether independent family farms have a sustainable future in the supply chain," he said.
Sofina Foods
The UFU said that Tesco "recognised the seriousness of the concerns being raised" and committed to following up with Sofina Foods after the meeting.
"Tesco listened carefully to the concerns raised by UFU. They were left in no doubt about the seriousness of the situation.
"They also made it clear that they expect those operating within their supply chain to treat farmers with respect.
"That is exactly the point UFU has been making from the start. If farmers are unhappy, then there is a reason for that, and it must be taken seriously," Lynch said.
Market outlook
The UFU deputy president said the outlook for pork remains positive, with demand for protein continuing to show solid growth.
However, he warned that this positive market outlook must be reflected in confidence for local producers.
"There is a positive story to tell around pork and protein growth, but that must translate into a positive future for Northern Ireland family farms.
"Local sourcing cannot simply be a slogan. It has to mean standing behind the primary producers who do the work, carry the risk, and keep the supply chain moving," Lynch said.
The UFU said it will continue to pursue clarity from Sofina Foods on behalf of affected members, including the number of producers impacted, the communication and notice process, the criteria used in decision-making, and Sofina’s long-term plans for independent Northern Ireland pig producers.
