News

Animal welfare challenges in the European pig farming sector

Summary
  • Subject
    Pig welfare, challenges
  • Target audience
    Policy makers, scientists, inspectors
Sources and more info
On 10th and 11th January 2019 the French farmers organisation INAPORC and the French ministry of agriculture organised a multi-country seminar on pig welfare.

The title of the meeting was: “Meeting animal welfare challenges in the pig farming sector: Experiences and successes in France and Europe”.

On behalf of EURCAW, Hans Spoolder presented the plans of the Reference Centre.

The meeting was attended by over 60 representatives from Denmark, Germany, The Netherlands, France, Spain and Italy. They represented government policy, industry and science in these countries. The European Commission was also represented. Topics which were debated were the lack of progress on rearing intact males (why are some countries more successful than others?), views on free farrowing systems (is it just a matter of time before Europe bans farrowing crates?) and welfare labelling systems (each country has its own.... which works best?).

The organisers have promised to publish the meeting notes soon. We will present them on this website when they arrive.

Photo: Intact tail (©WUR)