Pan-industry campaign launched to end farrowing crates
© GNP An action plan that would see the end of farrowing crates being used in the UK has received pan-industry support, including from the retail sector.
Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) launched the plan, which identifies three barriers to adopting new farrowing systems, namely economic challenges, knowledge gaps and stakeholder alignment.
See also: How move to flexible farrowing systems worked for two pig farmers
The new campaign aims to provide solutions for the industry to accelerate the adoption of alternative farrowing systems in the UK.
The plans have received support from the National Pig Association (NPA) and multiple retailers including Greggs, M&S, the Compleat Food Group and Waitrose.
“Transitioning away from farrowing crates is a critical step toward improving animal welfare in the UK pig industry,” said Dr Tracey Jones, global director of food business at CIWF.
Achieving this requires collective action across the entire supply chain, starting with company commitments and a willingness of industry to change.
“By working together, we can phase out farrowing crates and create a more humane, sustainable future for both pigs and the farming industry,” said Dr Jones.
Banning farrowing crates
CIWF has campaigned for a ban on farrowing crates, which were introduced in the 1960s, for a long time.
NPA, which has championed a long-term voluntary transition to flexible farrowing systems, described CIWF’s move to involve wider interests to address the barriers as a “significant step forward”.
A joint statement from Tim Miller of livestock environment specialist ARM Buildings and Lizzie Wilson, chief executive at NPA, said:
“As the leading suppliers of pig housing in Britain, supported by the representative trade association for commercial pig farmers, we recognise that the future of pig farming lies in higher welfare farrowing systems”.
They added that they were committed to supporting producers by providing innovative, practical, and welfare-friendly alternatives.