Welfare Science

Farmed Pig Welfare: Food System Transformation

Food system transformation that benefits pig welfare requires changes in production, consumption, and trade simultaneously.

Key Facts

Protein shift toward plant-based and alternative proteins reduces total pig numbers and suffering
Higher welfare production that meets genuine animal needs represents the best outcome for remaining pigs
Trade policy that maintains welfare standards prevents welfare arbitrage through imports
Consumer education that connects food choices to welfare outcomes drives demand-side transformation

Welfare Considerations

Sustainable pig welfare improvement requires food system transformation - not just incremental improvement within current systems. Transformation that reduces total pig numbers while improving welfare for remaining animals simultaneously addresses welfare and sustainability goals. Consumer choices, policy, and production innovation all contribute to this transformation.

What You Can Do

Reduce pork consumption where possible - each reduction reduces animals in intensive systems
Choose certified higher welfare pork for remaining consumption
Advocate for food system policies that reward welfare improvement and prevent welfare arbitrage