Bacon shortage is 'unavoidable'

The UK's National Pig Association (NPA) says a worldwide shortage of bacon is "now unavoidable".

The organisation has predicted the problem, saying pig farmers have been "plunged into loss" because of the rising cost of feed for their porkers due the "global failure" of soya and maize harvests.

It said in a statement: "New data shows the European Union pig herd is declining at a significant rate, and this is a trend that is being mirrored around the world.

"Pig farmers have been plunged into loss by high pig-feed costs, caused by the global failure of maize and soya harvests."

The NPA – which represents the British pig industry – has now set up a Save Our Bacon campaign encouraging people to buy British pork.