At Mansergh Hall Farm outside Kirkby Lonsdale, the Had- win family had to stop being organic when new EU regu- lations stated that pigs have to have access to the outdoor year round. ”I was apprehensive about telling our custo-


mers we had to stop being licensed, but we were overwhel- med by the messages of support we received. It was reas- suring that people largely purchase from us because our meats, and the service we provide, are really good – not be- cause they were organic,” says Amanda (below front).


and the land


For pig farmers, the problem is one of animal welfare. The rules for keeping pigs organically have changed, stating now that pigs have to have access to the out- doors year round; something which is not desirable in Cumbria. We have talked to a number of


meat farmers, some organic, some ex-organic, and some who were never licensed, to hear their stories.


Issue 10 • May-June 2011 5


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