The welfare benefits, challenges, and practical pathways for transitioning pig farms from conventional intensive to higher welfare production systems.
Transitioning pig farming to higher welfare systems is achievable and increasingly economically viable, but requires support across the supply chain. Farmers face real financial and practical barriers — capital costs, market access, and uncertainty about consumer premiums. Consumer demand for higher welfare pork sends important market signals, but these must be backed by reliable premium payments and stable supply contracts. Government policy has a key role in reducing transition costs through grants, extension advice, and welfare-based subsidies that reward improved production standards.