Farrowing Crate Reform: Progress and Welfare Evidence in 2026

The welfare case for phasing out farrowing crates is scientifically robust, with evidence accumulating that well-designed loose housing alternatives protect both sow and piglet welfare.

Key Facts

Farrowing crates confine sows for 4-6 weeks around parturition preventing all normal movement
Sows in farrowing crates cannot turn around, build nests, or perform maternal behaviours
Welfare studies show sows in crates show higher rates of stereotypic behaviour and frustration
Well-designed pen farrowing systems achieve comparable piglet mortality to crate systems
The EU has proposed a farrowing crate ban from 2030 following a phased transition period

Welfare Considerations

Farrowing crates cause significant sow welfare impacts through prevention of species-typical nest-building behaviour, severe restriction of movement for weeks, and inability to respond normally to piglet vocalisations. Sows in crates show higher frustration behaviours and physiological stress markers. The welfare trade-off between sow movement restriction and piglet crushing risk can be effectively managed in well-designed loose systems without returning to the movement restriction of crates. Transition support for farmers is essential to maintain piglet survival welfare during the switch.

What You Can Do

Support EU and national legislation phasing out farrowing crates with adequate transition periods
Choose pork products from farms using loose farrowing or protected pen systems
Advocate for research funding on optimised loose farrowing system design
Support farmer transition assistance programmes to enable crate-free adoption
Ask food companies and retailers about their farrowing crate phase-out commitments