CO2 shortages could severely impact Norfolk's farmers and meat supply "in days and weeks"

Continued CO2 shortages could severely impact local farmers and the amount of meat on supermarket shelves.

Rob Mutimer a pig farmer from Norfolk and Head of the National Pig Association told us that meat processors could run out of CO2 "within the week" if nothing is done.

This comes after a jump in gas prices has forced several domestic energy suppliers out of business and shut fertiliser plants that supply CO2 to British farmers and meat processors.

CO2 is used to stun animals before slaughter and vacuum pack food products, so extend their shelf-life.

Mr Mutimer told us that " the situation at farm and shop-level is virtually intolerable" and that the industry is facing a disaster in "weeks", if nothing is done.

He went on to say that while he "understands that the Government has issues with gas prices", but he the "non-supply of CO2" to Norfolk pig farmers means they won't be able to slaughter pigs.

He also told us that no CO2 means meat with a "very low shelf-life" and "eventually no products going on the shelves."

He said that if he and others don't receive any CO2, then they may be forced to "slaughter animals and sending them to rendering, just like we did during the foot mouth disease, because there's no other way round the situation".

He concluded the industry "desperately needs a Covid recovery plan from the Government" that allows "skilled-labour back into this country, albeit on a short term based....because the hole we've got at the moment is absolutely crucifying our supply chains."

This comes after The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) told Pig farmers that they would be in "daily contact" with them about the on-going shortage of C02.

The National Pig Association estimates there's currently a surplus of over 100,000 pigs on UK farms. A surplus which is believed to be increasing by 15,000 every week.

• norfolk
• supermarkets