Minimum space allowances for pigs are set by EU legislation but welfare evidence suggests higher space improves behaviour and health; understanding the evidence helps advocate for meaningful improvement.
Space allowance is one of the most straightforward welfare variables in pig production — more space enables more natural behaviour, reduces competition, and reduces aggression. The EU minimum of 0.65 m2 for finishing pigs is substantially below the space at which natural behaviour repertoire is fully expressed. Welfare certification schemes requiring higher space allowances create the market signal for producers to provide the additional space that evidence shows improves welfare outcomes.