[TheCaptain]

Mr P, apologies for being grumpy in my previous posts.  Hopefully this will push the prices up for the Pedigree breeders and give those who are committed to Pedigree breeding their rightful reward - protecting the breed from mass market can only be a good thing.

[Mr Pig]

Thankyou for your generosity of spirit. The sole aim of doing all this is to protect breeds like the GOS from exploitation by the mass market and to help them to grow in numbers to safer levels.

[TheCaptain]

Hug?

[Hilarysmum]

[quote

Incidentally, the TSG status awarded last week covers pedigree GOS pigs throughout the EU so should help those pedigree breeders in France.
[/quote]

Over here people dont give a tinkers what the breed, they buy because its organic or in our case outdoor reared.  That goes for all the nationalities that buy from us. 

I agree Rosemary, that its how they are reared and dispatched, not what the breed is.   I have GOS because I like the breed.

[supplies for smallholders]

I can see both sides of the argument.....

However, once a "Pandora's box" of standards and inspections is applied will it be possible that certain breeders will start to find the whole process too onerous?

There will always in my view be a very good market for happy, healthy farm / home reared pork sitting alongside the (often more expensive) "Posh Pork".

If you have non-pedigree GOS pigs just brand the meat differently - eg. "Smiling Pig Pork" etc. etc.

[Hilarysmum]

Thanks, s4s that was a nice post.  Ours is called "free Range" with photos on the brochure to show they are truly free range rather than en plein air which can mean kept in a barn with 3 sides closed in but one open to the air.

[Hilarysmum]

Just wondering, how will the buyer know that the meat is indeed pure bred GOS raised in the strict non intensive conditions rather than any other type of pork, or indeed GOS that is not birth notified. 

[Mr Pig]

The GOSPBC is looking to put in place an inspection/approvals system using the TSG logo. If the point of sale material doesn't have this, it isn't approved and eventually by reporting mis-use to the authorities via Defra, would expect to close down all unauthorised use of the name. Basically the same principles that apply to the protection of champagne, roquefort cheese and parma ham at present.

[JulieS]

I also print out a certificate from the BPA website to confirm the pig is pedigree GOS and has been birth notified.

[supplies for smallholders]

Thanks, s4s that was a nice post.  Ours is called "free Range" with photos on the brochure to show they are truly free range rather than en plein air which can mean kept in a barn with 3 sides closed in but one open to the air.

Thanks,

Just trying to defuse things a little :-)

We rear both pedigree and non-pedigree Saddlebacks.....They taste exactly the same believe it or not !

The only way to ensure no counterfit pork is sold it would have to be stamped at the abettor much the same way as is happening with the Welsh White at the moment, as that also suffered from the counterfeit trade!

Oh - Did I mention we also sell meat stamps? whith whatever logo or text you like on them, for product branding. ;-)

Thanks

[TheCaptain]

Ah, you have to excuse my rants - it's more built out of frustration at having to do a full time(to say the least!) day job when all I'm thinking about is 'being on the Farm.'  Frustrating doesn't quite cover it!  Grass was cut last night though, which I got strangely emotional over.  My wife thinks I'm a big pansy.  She has a point.

[Rosemary]

Ah, you have to excuse my rants - it's more built out of frustration at having to do a full time(to say the least!) day job when all I'm thinking about is 'being on the Farm.'  Frustrating doesn't quite cover it!  Grass was cut last night though, which I got strangely emotional over.  My wife thinks I'm a big pansy.  She has a point.

Ah, you big softy!  You're just in touch with your feminine side and that's a good thing.

[Daisys Mum]

Ok forgive me for being totally think but can I call my pork "Outdoor Reared unregistered OSB Pork". To be honest it does not really matter to me as I will only ever have 2 or 3 at a time and will not be advertising or labelling my meat as it all goes to family and friends.
I had a read on the GOS site and it seems to me that they can still be reared in large numbers indoors. Also what is the definition of a small to medium sized abattoir. From what I have seen small does not necessarily mean better. I am not 100% happy with the one that I use but there is no other within 40 miles.

[supplies for smallholders]

If its only going to family and friends then call it what you like :-)

[Hilarysmum]

Is this the same DEFRA who are allowing miniature pigs to be kept in flats?  The ones who wont allow a smallholder to feed anything that comes out of the kitchen to their pigs (not disagreeing) yet dont check to make sure mini pet pigs are not being fed on cat food, helping themselves out of the rubbish bin or fridge?

If so I think this is going to be open to massive abuse.