Shropshire pig academy to open for budding farmers

A pioneering new academy for prospective pig farmers is due to open in Shropshire. The Fresh Start Pig Academy is designed for anyone interested in setting up and running a pig farming business.

It will open at Harper Adams University College, in Edgmond, near Newport, on January 26. The academy is only the second of its kind in the UK following a successful pilot which opened in Lincolnshire in January.

Course organisers say that demand for quality British fresh pork is continuing to grow, prompting a need to encourage existing farmers and new entrants to look at pig production as a route into farming.

Students on the six-week course will look at what is involved in setting up and running a pig unit, including the business side of making a unit profitable and sustainable.

Sophie Hope, who helped instigate the course, said: "We have unsatisfied demand with our main customer, Waitrose, who are urging us to get out and sell the industry to potential entrants.

"We believe our particular supply chain offer is both attractive and sustainable.

"The academy will enable potential new entrants to gather information on what is involved in setting up in pig production."

Miss Hope added: "Of course we can't deal with everything involved in pigs in such a short period, but we believe we can address the key issues in such a way that a potential entrant is better equipped to make a judgement on such a key business decision."

Denis Chamberlain, chairman of the National Fresh Start Stakeholder Group, said: "This second academy is an excellent project, encouraging new entrants to assess an area where there is the potential to develop businesses in a sector where demand is currently very strong and viable business models are there to be exploited."

To join the course, call Ms Hope on 07773 319723.

By Joseph Masi