PIG farmers across the UK will benefit by £21.8m thanks to the Pig Industry Restructuring Scheme (PIRS).

Announcing the final outcome of the scheme, food and farming minister Lord Whitty said: "All applicants have now been informed of the outcome.

"There were a total of 712 applications in the UK as a whole. A total of £21.8m has been offered to the successful applicants.

"I am also pleased to report that 99pc of all applications were successful; a sign that the scheme was both straightforward and flexible."

The aim of PIRS is to help pig producers reduce breeding capacity.

These cash awards will benefit those pig farmers who wish to remain in pig production.

Updated: 09:17 Thursday, October 04, 2001