Welfare Science

Pig Welfare and Institutional Change

Sustainable improvement in pig welfare requires institutional change in certification bodies, retailers, and government.

Key Facts

Individual farms that improve welfare face competitive disadvantage without market-level change
Certification bodies set the floor for welfare in their supply chains through standard requirements
Government policy including subsidies and legislation creates the structural environment for welfare
Corporate commitments from major buyers create market pull for welfare improvement
Civil society organizations maintain pressure that keeps welfare on the agenda of institutions

Welfare Considerations

Individual welfare improvements matter for the animals they affect, but institutional change is the mechanism through which welfare improvements scale. Engaging with the institutional levers that set standards across sectors is essential for systemic progress.

What You Can Do

Engage with retailers, food companies, and certification bodies on their welfare policies
Support civil society organizations maintaining pressure on welfare institutions
Advocate for government policy creating structural incentives for welfare improvement