Farm Animals

Pig Welfare and Welfare Through the Food System

The food system shapes pig welfare from farm to fork, with every actor from producer to consumer having a role in improving welfare outcomes.

Key Facts

Food system actors from seed companies to retailers influence pig welfare through purchasing decisions
Food service and catering is the largest buyer of pork in many countries
Procurement policies by hospitals, schools, and government departments set welfare floor standards
Food system transparency enables accountability at every level of the supply chain
Consumers are the end market that justifies every welfare compromise in the supply chain

Welfare Considerations

Pig welfare is a food system problem requiring food system solutions. Every actor in the chain bears responsibility and has the power to improve outcomes.

What You Can Do

Advocate for welfare procurement standards in public sector catering
Support supply chain transparency initiatives
Exercise your consumer power by choosing welfare-certified pork products