New fair dealing pig regulations come into force next week
7th August 2025
DEFRA has just announced that the Fair Dealing Obligations (Pigs) Regulations 2025 will come into force next week.
FDOP2025, which will apply from Thursday 13th August, addresses pig purchase contracts between purchasers, such as pig processors and abattoirs, and qualifying sellers (producers, including pig farmers and those who buy pigs without processing them), although some exemptions may apply.
These new rules make sure both parties know their rights and responsibilities under the pig purchase contract, DEFRA explained.
The department added that the regulation has been issued as part of the government’s drive to improve and create greater fairness in the agricultural supply chain. It ensures fairer contractual practices for pig farmers and producers.
The regulation is the result of extensive consultation with pig farmers, producer groups and the wider industry.
It largely mirrors the rules in the milk sector, which aim to ensure that contracts between dairy farmers and processors are fair and transparent, the government confirmed.
What’s going to change?
DEFRA said that FDOP2025 will give pig farmers and producers greater certainty over the terms of their contracts.
These new rules will help ensure things are fairer, more consistent and transparent by:
- improving how contracts work
- protecting producers from unfair practices
- giving them more control over how they sell their pigs
From 13th August 2025, new contracts must be in writing, signed, and include clear terms about pricing, how long the contract lasts, how it can be ended, and how disputes will be settled.
If you are a pig processor or other purchaser, any new pig purchase contracts you make after 13th August 2025 must comply with the rules, DEFRA said.
Similar to the dairy sector, there is a 12-month transition period to allow the sector to meet the requirements of the regulations.
By 13th August 2026, all contracts — new and existing — must meet these standards.
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