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<p>Farmers have reported an overstocking of pigs on farms because of staff shortages
in processing plants. This has the potential to lead to welfare issues for pigs on
farm, due to overcrowding. The Government has implemented a number of measures to
address the backlog and to reduce any on-farm animal welfare implications. Defra is
not aware of any animal welfare issues in other meat processing sectors due to a shortage
of workers.</p><p> </p><p>The package of measures that Defra has provided to help
to alleviate the backlog of pigs on farms and to ease potential welfare implications
includes temporary work visas for up to 800 pork butchers and Private Storage Aid
(PSA) and Slaughter Incentive Payment (SIP) schemes to facilitate an increase in the
throughput of pigs through abattoirs.</p><p> </p><p>Furthermore, in England and Scotland,
the two meat levy bodies, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board and Quality
Meat Scotland, suspended the statutory levy for pig farmers and producers during November
2021.</p><p> </p><p>The Government will continue to monitor the evolving situation
and is working closely with the industry through this challenging period.</p><p> </p>
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