The global movement toward crate-free pig production is gaining momentum but faces implementation challenges requiring industry support.
Crate-free pig production represents a major achievable welfare improvement if commitment translates into action. The gap between corporate commitments and actual supply chain change reflects the practical and economic challenges of industry transition. Effective transition requires investment in farm infrastructure, stockperson training, system design research and consumer willingness to pay price premiums. Each farm that successfully transitions to crate-free production demonstrates commercial viability and builds the knowledge base enabling others to follow. Welfare NGOs, food companies and governments all have roles in making transition economically viable and practically achievable.