UFU meets Tesco over Sofina pig producer concerns

L-R: UFU Policy & Communications Director James McCluggage, UFU Deputy President Clement Lynch and UFU Policy Officer Andrew Robinson outside Tesco following a meeting on concerns facing Northern Ireland pig producers.

The Ulster Farmers’ Union has met with Tesco representatives today to raise serious concerns on behalf of Northern Ireland pig producers affected by uncertainty around supply arrangements with Sofina Foods.

The meeting followed growing concern among UFU members about notice being served in relation to pig supply into Sofina’s Cookstown site, and the impact this is having on family farm businesses.

UFU deputy president Clement Lynch said the meeting was constructive and gave the union the opportunity to set out the seriousness of the situation directly.

“Today’s meeting was important because it allowed UFU to put the concerns of affected pig producers directly to Tesco,” said Mr Lynch. “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.”

UFU raised concerns around the future role of independent Northern Ireland family farms within the pork supply chain. Mr Lynch said Tesco gave UFU a fair hearing and 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.”

UFU said Tesco recognised the seriousness of the concerns being raised and committed to following up with Sofina after the meeting. Mr Lynch continued, “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.”

UFU said the outlook for pork remains positive, with demand for protein continuing to show solid growth. However, the union 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,” said Mr Lynch.

“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.” UFU said it will continue to pursue clarity from Sofina 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.

Mr Lynch added, “We appreciate Tesco meeting with UFU and listening to the concerns we raised on behalf of members. Tesco gave us a fair hearing and has committed to looking into the issue with Sofina.

“UFU will continue to press for facts, fairness, and a future for our members. Independent Northern Ireland pig producers must not be pushed out of the supply chain without transparency, proper communication, or respect.”