Farm Animals

Pig Welfare 2026 Annual Review and Hope

Reviewing progress in pig welfare in 2026 and reasons for hope alongside honest acknowledgment of remaining challenges.

Key Facts

Gestation crate-free commitments now cover the majority of UK retail pork supply
Enrichment provision has improved significantly in several major producing countries
Consumer surveys show increasing concern for farm animal welfare in purchasing decisions
Precision livestock technology is beginning to deliver individual welfare monitoring at scale
Pig welfare science continues to advance, strengthening the evidence base for improvement

Welfare Considerations

Pig welfare in 2026 is a story of genuine progress alongside persistent challenges. Millions of pigs have better lives as a result of decades of advocacy. Millions more still live in systems that cause significant preventable suffering. Both truths must be held together.

What You Can Do

Celebrate progress to sustain motivation for continued welfare advocacy
Be honest about remaining challenges to maintain urgency for further improvement
Continue supporting the organizations and policies that are driving real change for pigs