A national supermarket is slashing its pork prices in a bid to support pig farmers in their current difficulties.

Morrisons slashed its pork prices for 10 weeks from February 22, with the intention of boosting demand.

This is aimed to help pig farmers who have been hit hard by Covid-19 problems in pork plants. These prompted bans on Chinese exports in some cases.

To compound matters, Brexit has caused significant export delays.

These issues have resulted in falling prices, teamed with rising costs.

The National Pig Association (NPA) is referring to the current situation that pig farmers are facing as the "perfect storm".

Sophie Throup, head of agriculture at the supermarket, said: “Britain produces some of the finest pig breeds and pork products in the world. But pig farmers are currently facing difficult times.

"We’re British farming’s biggest supermarket customer and feel it’s our duty to help. So we’re introducing knockout deals across our store – and hope this will encourage our customers to help farmers by buying more pork.”

The prices of all of Morrisons British pork products have been cut. For example, a pork shoulder normally costing £4.20/lg, costs £2, a pork loin normally costing £6/kg costs £4 and a pork tenderloin normally costing £7.50/kg costs £6. The majority of Morrisons The Best Sausages and Bacon will also be on offer at two for £4, and all of Morrisons British gammon will be cut by one third to 90p per 100g.

NPA chief executive Zoe Davies welcomed Morrisons' support: "A big well done to Morrisons for being the first of the big retailers to step up and take some proactive, positive action to help the British pig industry.

"There is more to do and the spotlight remains fully on the sector.

"Ministers have said they would be fully prepared to hold another meeting with the supply chain should this become necessary."