Farm Animals

Farmed Pig Welfare 2026: Annual Progress Report

Annual assessment of pig welfare progress in 2026 identifies genuine achievements and remaining priorities.

Key Facts

Three more EU member states committed to farrowing crate phase-out timelines in 2026
Major retailer commitments to cage-free pig welfare now cover 60% of UK branded pork sales
Pig welfare science publication rates increased by 15% over 2025, expanding the evidence base
Consumer welfare label preference in EU markets continues to grow at 5-8% annually

Welfare Considerations

2026 represents genuine pig welfare progress with legislative commitments, corporate actions, and scientific advancement all advancing. The rate of change is insufficient to eliminate suffering for the billions of pigs alive today, but the trajectory is positive. Maintaining and accelerating progress requires continued engagement across all change levers.

What You Can Do

Support organisations making measurable pig welfare progress with donations or advocacy
Celebrate 2026 pig welfare achievements while maintaining advocacy pressure on remaining gaps
Engage with annual corporate welfare commitment reviews and reward progress publicly