• AUG / SEP 2020
HIGH HURST FARM 47
Help Ensure the Survival of our Native Pig Breeds
THE British Pig Association is the breed society for the Berkshire and Gloucestershire Old Spots as well as eight other native pig breeds . All these breeds are listed by Defra as at risk of extinction . Established in 1884 the BPA works with Government and other organisations such as the Rare Breeds Survival Trust and Breeders Clubs to ensure the survival of our native pig breeds .
The challenge we face is to build a future where our wonderful breeds have a real place in the rural economy and are not just dependant on charity and goodwill .
At the heart of our conservation plan is the message that we have to Eat them to Save them .
Conservation through Consumption can be a difficult concept to explain but the last breed to be lost was the Lincolnshire Curly Coat and there are no Lincolnshire Curly Coats in Lincoln Zoo . Farmers will only keep the pigs if people will buy the pork .
Helping to create sustainable rural businesses supplying niche markets is what our Pedigree Pork scheme is all about . Andrew and Robin Mackay are members of this scheme and their business typifies the model that is needed for our pigs to survive .
The BPA together with the RBST is building genebank as part of our conservation programme but on farm conservation relies on farmers keeping pigs as part of small diverse rural businesses .
There are more than 500 Siberian tigers but the latest survey for the Middle White pig reveals a population of less than 400 sows and boars
Everyone can help in different ways . Become a pedigree breeder like the Mackay ’ s or just buy pedigree weaners to fatten , join our Conservation Club and support our work or just take that little bit of time to visit a farm shop or butcher and buy locally produced pedigree pork . Even if you just buy some pork chops from one of native breeds like the Berkshire you will be helping to save the breed and on top of that they taste fantastic !
Details of our conservation programmes and the Pedigree Pork scheme can be found on our website www . britishpigs . org and www . pedigreepork . org
Eat Them to Save Them
Native Pig Breeds like the Berkshire and the Gloucestershire Old Spots are at risk of extinction . The only way to save them is to eat them .
Look for the Pedigree Pork logo or visit our website to find local suppliers .
www . pedigreepork . org | www . britishpigs . org