Pig campaigners descend on London

Thousands will be taking part in the demonstration, organised by the National Pig Association (NPA), to support the British pig industry and make sure their views are heard in government.

Plans are well under way for the rally, due to be held in Whitehall, opposite Downing Street, on Tuesday, 4 March to lobby the country's policy-makers. There are also plans to bring Winnie the Pig (veteran of the 2001 demonstration) back out of retirement to make a guest appearance.

In addition, the NPA will be presenting the 'Pigs Are Worth It' campaign petition to Downing Street, which is supported by MTJ's own campaign, Save the British Pig Farmer.

"We simply cannot wait until later in the year for better prices." NPA general manager Barney Kay warned recently.

NPA chairman Stewart Houston added that pig farmers are already being forced to leave the industry as a result of the crisis and cautioned retailers not to underestimate the seriousness of the situation. "The move out of pigs has already started," he said. "And if it gathers pace, it will be too late to do anything about it."

The rally is scheduled to run from 12.30pm-4pm on Tuesday, 4 March. If you would like to attend, please sign up by sending your name, address, postcode, email address, mobile telephone number (this is so that the NPA can contact you with any updates before and/or during the rally) and the organisation you represent, using one of the following methods:

1. Write to the NPA's General Manager, Barney Kay, at: NPA, Agriculture House, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire CV8 2TZ

2. Send all your details by email to: npa@npanet.org.uk

3. Send all your details by fax to: 01507 313997

4. Visit the NPA website at: www.npa-uk.org.uk to register

MTJ is also urging all its readers to get involved in the campaign and sign on to the e-petition at www.pigsareworthit.com. Alternatively, simply fax through your support on 01908 671722, and include in the message box: "I support the Pigs Are Worth It Campaign."

Ed Bedington, editor of MTJ, said: "I'd urge everyone to get on board with this. The more people who sign up to this petition the better, so tell all your friends and family to sign up as well. The pig industry needs as much support as we can get."

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