Pig Gestation Crate Phase-Out: Progress and Remaining Work

The global movement toward gestation crate elimination is one of the most significant farmed animal welfare campaigns, with progress and challenges across different markets.

Key Facts

Gestation crates confine sows individually in crates 60 cm wide preventing all natural movement and behavioral expression
The EU banned gestation crates in 2013 except for the first 4 weeks after service and the last week before farrowing
Ten US states have banned gestation crates and major food companies including McDonald's and Walmart have made phase-out commitments
China produces over half the world's pigs and has no gestation crate restrictions creating a large welfare-uncovered production sector
Conversion costs for sow housing systems range from USD 150-300 per sow space creating economic barriers for smaller producers

Welfare Considerations

The gestation crate phase-out represents one of the most significant farm animal welfare movements in history, demonstrating that sustained consumer and corporate pressure can transform standard industry practice. Progress in EU and some US markets shows policy change is achievable, while the dominance of unrestricted production in China and other markets means global welfare improvement remains incomplete. Corporate commitments from food companies create supply chain pressure independent of regulatory progress, providing a parallel pathway to welfare improvement. Supporting these commitments through consumer choices sustains the economic incentive for continued industry transition.

What You Can Do

Choose pork from producers certified as gestation-crate-free
Support corporate campaigns maintaining pressure on food companies to fulfill and strengthen gestation crate phase-out commitments
Advocate for gestation crate legislation in jurisdictions without restrictions
Donate to animal welfare organizations working on both corporate engagement and policy advocacy for crate-free pork