A SPAT has erupted in the pork industry over the term "bred free range".

The Free Range Pork Farmers Association has moved to allow "bred free-range" producers to join it.

But founder Leigh McCosker is livid and has applied to de-register the association.

Many free-range pork farmers say the term "bred free range" is deceptive as the pigs roam for their first three weeks before being housed in shelters for six months.

Ms McCosker, now chief of the Free Range Pig Producers Association, said her organisation's 400 members were "furious".

But FRPFA president Fiona Chambers said she did not aim for "bred free-range" pork to be considered free-range.

"It could be called outdoor bred or outdoor born," she said.