LONDON, (Reuters) – The British National Pig Association urged retailers in the country to buy local pork products and not EU-sourced cheaper meats on Friday. It warned that many farmers would lose their support if this was not done.

A severe shortage in butchers in the meat processing sector has caused processors to operate at 25% less capacity. This means that tens or thousands of pigs remain on farms, and face imminent cull.

In an open letter, the association stated that it was aware that “some retailers”, who had been supportive of British supply chains in the past, might now consider switching over to EU pork since it is cheaper.

“This would worsen our situation to the point where many more pig farmers, along with those who are responsible for 27500 sows, we know of, would have to leave the industry.”

This has led to a shortage of labour in this industry. The problem has been made worse by COVID-19, Britain’s post Brexit immigration policy and COVID-19. These policies have restricted east European workers.

The association of pigs stated that, despite repeated attempts to get the government to loosen immigration rules it seemed to have come to an impasse.