Farm Animals

Farmed Pig Welfare and Market Signals

How market signals from consumers, retailers, and food service drive pig welfare improvement.

Key Facts

Retail buyer requirements have driven significant welfare improvements in UK pig farming
Consumer surveys show high stated concern for pig welfare but price-driven purchasing
Food service companies including fast food chains have made welfare commitments
Export market requirements increasingly include welfare standards for UK pig producers
Market signals are a faster driver of welfare change than legislation in many cases

Welfare Considerations

Market signals that reward welfare performance create financial incentives for improvement, complementing regulatory requirements and advocacy campaigns.

What You Can Do

Use consumer power to send welfare signals when purchasing pork products
Engage food service companies in your workplace or community about welfare commitments
Support supermarkets with strong welfare sourcing policies