UFU presses Sofina for urgent clarity on future of NI producers
The Ulster Farmers’ Union has met with senior representatives from Sofina Foods to press for urgent clarity on the future of Northern Ireland pig producers affected by ongoing uncertainty around supply contracts.
The meeting took place on Thursday 4th June, following growing concern among UFU members about the future of pig supply into the company’s Cookstown site. Pig farmers in County Down will also be affected by the lack of clarity from Sofina.
UFU deputy president Clement Lynch said the meeting was direct and necessary, but that affected farmers now need clear answers in writing.
“Pig producers are facing huge uncertainty, and for many of these family farms this is not simply a commercial inconvenience; it is about the future of their business,” said Mr Lynch.
“These are farm families who have invested in their units, looked after their animals, supplied the market over many years and built their businesses around agreed supply routes. They deserve clarity, respect and proper communication.
“At today’s meeting, UFU made it very clear to Sofina that producers need answers on how many farmers are affected, what notice has been served, what criteria were used, and what the company’s long-term plan is for Northern Ireland pig production.”
Mr Lynch said it was deeply concerning that some producers remain unclear about their position. “It is not good enough for any family farm business to be left wondering whether it will have a home for its pigs in a few months’ time.
“Communication must be clear, timely and direct enough to give farmers the ability to plan.
“We recognise that processors are facing market pressures, including cheaper European products and changing customer demand. But those pressures cannot be used as a reason to leave farmers in the dark or to undermine the independent family farms that have supported the supply chain for years.”
During the meeting, Sofina outlined a range of market challenges facing the pork sector, including pressure from lower-cost European pork, changes in demand for British pigs, and wider supply-demand issues across the GB market.
The UFU said it acknowledged these pressures, but pressed Sofina on the need for fairness and transparency in how decisions are being made.
Mr Lynch added: “Our members need to know whether reductions are being applied fairly across the supply base, or whether some family farms are being disproportionately affected.
“If numbers are being reduced, producers need to understand why, how those decisions were made and what options are available to them.
“We also made it clear that Sofina’s public statements about supporting Northern Ireland and family farms must be matched by practical action. Warm words are not enough.
“Farmers need written clarity, meaningful engagement and a plan that shows independent NI pig producers have a future in the supply chain.”
UFU also raised concerns about the potential wider consequences for the local pig sector if producers are forced to reduce or stop production without adequate transition arrangements.
“The pig sector is a vital part of Northern Ireland’s agri-food industry. It supports family farms, jobs, feed suppliers, hauliers, vets and rural communities.
“If independent producers are pushed out, that damage will not be easily reversed,” said Mr Lynch.“This cannot be treated as just another contract issue. It has implications for farm businesses, supply-chain resilience and the wider rural economy.”
Mr Lynch said UFU would continue to stand with affected members. “UFU’s priority is our members. We will continue to press Sofina for clear answers, and we will not allow the concerns of family farms to be brushed aside.
“Northern Ireland pig farmers need more than reassurance. They need facts, fairness and a future.
“Sofina must now provide clear written answers and show how its commitment to Northern Ireland family farms will be delivered in practice.”
