Welfare Science

Pig Welfare and Intensive Production Reform

Reform of intensive pig production requires addressing both immediate welfare improvements and systemic changes that make better welfare economically viable at scale.

Key Facts

Intensive pig production exists because it provides affordable protein at global scale
Welfare improvements typically increase production costs unless economies are found elsewhere
Consumer willingness to pay for welfare premiums is limited at current income levels
Policy intervention through welfare standards creates level playing fields for producers
Transition support for producers adopting higher welfare systems is often insufficient

Welfare Considerations

Intensive pig production reform requires both immediate welfare improvements and systemic economic reform that makes better welfare viable without unacceptable cost increases. Policy, market, and technological solutions working together can create the conditions for sustained welfare improvement at scale.

What You Can Do

Support pig welfare reform organisations working on systemic change
Advocate for government transition support for producers adopting higher welfare systems
Engage with the political economy of pig welfare reform as citizens and voters