Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Welfare and Welfare Economics

The economics of pig welfare improvement affect adoption rates. Understanding the business case for welfare makes farmer engagement more effective and sustainable.

Key Facts

Higher welfare production typically commands premium prices in certified markets
Welfare improvements can reduce costs through reduced disease and antibiotic use
Production efficiency and welfare are not always in conflict - some improvements help both
Premium markets for welfare-certified pork are growing in UK and European markets
Consumer willingness to pay for welfare varies but is higher than production cost premiums in surveys

Welfare Considerations

Understanding welfare economics helps advocates engage farmers more effectively. Welfare improvements that also improve economics are adopted fastest, and market signals are critical to making this case.

What You Can Do

Support premium market development for higher-welfare pork products
Choose certified welfare products as a market signal for producer investment
Engage with the economic case for welfare when advocating to farmers
Learn about the business case for pig welfare improvement