Pig Farming

Pig Welfare and Ecosystem Services

Integrating pig welfare with ecosystem service provision creates aligned incentives for welfare improvement within sustainable farming systems.

Key Facts

Outdoor pig systems can provide soil tillage benefits and nutrient cycling ecosystem services
Pigs foraging on woodland contribute to biodiversity through soil disturbance and seed dispersal
Well-managed outdoor systems reduce antibiotic use and associated environmental impacts
Regenerative farming approaches incorporating pigs can improve soil health and welfare simultaneously
Ecosystem service payments for sustainable outdoor pig farming are emerging in some markets

Welfare Considerations

When pig welfare improvement aligns with ecosystem service provision, economic incentives for welfare are strengthened. Outdoor systems that allow natural pig behaviour also contribute to soil health and nutrient cycling. These aligned incentives create business cases for welfare investment that extend beyond consumer premium pricing. Regenerative agriculture frameworks that value ecosystem services alongside welfare provide new pathways for welfare improvement.

What You Can Do

Support farmers adopting regenerative approaches that integrate pig welfare and ecosystem services
Advocate for agri-environment payments that include outdoor pig welfare standards
Choose pork from outdoor and regenerative farming systems where available