Growing opposition to new and replacement pig farm construction is threatening British livestock production, pig producers have warned.

In the past, pig farmers who wanted to build a new pig unit could work constructively with local residents, the National Pig Association said.

However, it had identified a growing trend for single-interest lobby groups to get involved in planning applications, using misinformation to frighten local residents into opposing new and replacement farms.

Britain already imported 60% of its pork and pork products and the figure would rise unless farmers were encouraged to invest in new, the NPA added.