Reform of intensive pig farming has progressed in some regions but remains deeply inadequate globally. Understanding where progress is being made and where challenges persist guides effective advocacy.
Global pig farming reform is a patchwork of significant regional progress and persistent global inadequacy. The welfare improvements achieved in the EU, UK, and increasingly in the US through both regulation and corporate commitment represent genuine advances for the pigs in those systems. However, the global majority of pigs continue to be raised under conditions that cause chronic suffering, and the globalisation of pork production means consumer choices in high-income countries do not automatically prevent their consumption from driving poor welfare outcomes in exporting countries. International alignment of welfare standards through trade agreements and supply chain transparency represents the most promising pathway to global improvement. The momentum of corporate welfare commitments, while imperfect, has demonstrated that supply chain change is achievable when consumer and investor pressure is sustained.