Welfare Science

Farmed Pig Welfare and Trade Policy

Trade policy allowing importation of pork produced to lower welfare standards undermines domestic improvements and incentivises welfare-poor production.

Key Facts

UK pork imports from lower welfare standard countries are common
Post-Brexit trade agreements have welfare equivalence provisions of varying strength
Labelling requirements for imported pork welfare conditions are limited
Consumer confusion about imported product welfare standards is widespread
Welfare equivalence in trade is enforced inconsistently

Welfare Considerations

Trade policy is one of the most important levers for global pig welfare. Requiring imported pork to meet equivalent welfare standards prevents welfare arbitrage and maintains incentives for domestic investment.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns for welfare equivalence requirements in trade agreements
Advocate for imported pork labelling showing welfare standards
Engage with your MP about animal welfare in trade policy