Farm Animals

Farmed Pig Welfare and Plant-Based Transition

How the transition to plant-based diets affects pig farmers and welfare during the transition period.

Key Facts

Declining pork consumption in some markets is affecting pig farm viability
Farm transition support programmes help farmers diversify into plant-based production
Higher welfare pig farming may be more resilient during market transitions
Some pig producers are diversifying into plant-based crop production
Welfare improvement during any transition period remains essential for existing pigs

Welfare Considerations

Market transitions toward plant-based diets create both challenges and opportunities for pig farmers, with welfare of existing pigs requiring sustained attention regardless of market direction.

What You Can Do

Support farm transition programmes that protect farmer livelihoods
Advocate for welfare standards that apply throughout any market transition
Continue choosing higher welfare pork during the transition period