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Published 14/04/2025Compassion in World Farming is today launching a Multi-Stakeholder Action Plan to accelerate the adoption of alternative farrowing systems in the UK. Identifying three key barriers to change and providing a clear set of actions to overcome them, the Action Plan underscores the importance of collaboration across the supply chain to drive meaningful and lasting change for sows.
Farrowing crates, introduced in the 1960s to reduce the risk of sows accidentally crushing their piglets during farrowing and lactation, have long been a fixture of indoor pig farming. Mounting scientific evidence, however, shows that these restrictive systems come at a significant cost to the welfare of both the sow and her piglets, and that well designed pen systems allow the sow greater freedom of movement while still providing protection for piglets.
ALTERNATIVE FARROWING SYSTEMS – NOT ‘IF’ BUT ‘WHEN’
Today, farrowing crates are widely seen as outdated and incompatible with evolving animal welfare standards. There is a diverse range of indoor alternative farrowing systems already in commercial use and investing in well-designed, spacious systems that are fit for purpose and fit for the future is paramount for success.
Compassion in World Farming’s recent publication, Indoor farrowing systems for sows: Practical alternatives to the farrowing crate, highlights well-designed, alternative farrowing systems that meet the needs of sows, piglets and stockpersons, and are commercially available right now.
The shift to higher-welfare alternative systems is no longer a question of ‘if’ but ‘when’. The transition is inevitable, and the key to making it a reality lies in the collective action from all stakeholders — from farmers and policymakers to retailers and consumers — to invest in, support and implement practical, welfare-friendly farrowing systems that balance sow and piglet welfare, farm viability and consumer expectations.
MULTI-STAKEHOLDER ACTION TO ACCELERATE THE SHIFT TO HIGHER WELFARE
Following extensive consultation and stakeholder engagement, Compassion is launching the Multi-Stakeholder Action Plan aimed at accelerating the adoption of alternative farrowing systems in the UK.
The Action Plan identifies three key barriers to change and a clear set of actions to overcome them:
- Economic challenges can be overcome through investment support and fair pricing. Public grants, financial backing and planning approvals are key to covering upfront costs, while shared responsibility across the supply chain can offset production expenses.
- Knowledge gaps and slow progress underscore the need for real-world demonstrations. International collaboration can facilitate the sharing of best practices and upskill farmers, while multi-stakeholder networks — including producers, retailers, policymakers and consumers— are key to effective knowledge sharing.
- Stakeholder alignment is essential. Government action will help drive the transition, while voluntary commitments and secure contracts from retailers and food companies will give producers the confidence to adapt.
A SHARED VISION FOR INDUSTRY-WIDE CHANGE
Collaboration across the supply chain to drive meaningful and lasting change is vital.
Four companies — Greggs, Marks & Spencer, The Compleat Food Group and Waitrose — have already confirmed their support for a collaborative approach to scaling up alternative farrowing systems as laid out in the Action Plan. Their support sets an example for the wider industry, and we are looking for others to join. Achieving industry-wide change will require a shared vision and collective action to ensure a successful and sustainable transition.
PIG INDUSTRY AGREES: NO NEW FARROWING CRATES
The UK pig industry is already making positive voluntary steps with a consensus view of ‘No New Farrowing Crates’. Indeed, a group of building and equipment suppliers, comprising the leading pig building specialists in Britain, are actively reinforcing this consensus by refraining from installing new crated systems and advising producers on alternative pen designs. And the National Pig Association has been leading on this by developing a transition plan for some time.
Tim Miller, Livestock Environment Specialist, ARM Buildings Ltd and Lizzie Wilson, Chief Executive, National Pig Association remark: “As the leading suppliers of pig housing in Britain, supported by the representative trade association for commercial pig farmers, we recognise that the future of pig farming lies in higher-welfare farrowing systems. The industry’s consensus of ‘No New Conventional Farrowing Crates’ is a significant step forward, and we are committed to supporting producers by providing innovative, practical, and welfare-friendly alternatives. By working together across the supply chain, we can ensure that the transition to well-designed alternative systems is both achievable and sustainable for farmers, while meeting the expectations of consumers and regulators alike.”
The UK and EU are known for their leadership in animal welfare legislation, with some countries already enacting new measures. In 2021, the European Commission made a clear commitment to introduce a legislative proposal to ban the use of cages for farmed animals within the EU. In February 2025, this commitment was reaffirmed, with the Commission looking to table proposals for an EU-wide cage ban by species and sector in 2026. In the UK, while farrowing crates are still legally permitted, the industry’s voluntary transition towards higher welfare systems deserves recognition as a major step forward.
FUNDING THE TRANSITION: A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY
One of the greatest challenges in phasing out farrowing crates is securing the funding needed for the transition. Producers will need support from a broad range of stakeholders, including retailers, food service companies, financial investors, insurance providers, local councils and government bodies.
This summer, Compassion’s Roundtable on Alternative Farrowing will focus on ‘Funding the Transition: Next Steps’, exploring how to ensure market support is provided for products from alternative farrowing systems.
CALL FOR ACTION
Compassion’s Multi-Stakeholder Action Plan calls for shared responsibility in creating a viable market for higher welfare products — through cost-sharing, secure contracts and public commitments. Over the next year, Compassion will continue to engage companies to make and publish commitments to alternative farrowing, while recognising those already leading the way.
Dr Tracey Jones, Global Director of Food Business, Compassion in World Farming concludes: “Transitioning away from farrowing crates is a critical step toward improving animal welfare in the UK pig industry. Achieving this requires collective action across the entire supply chain, starting with company commitments and a willingness of industry to change. By working together, we can phase out farrowing crates and create a more humane, sustainable future for both pigs and the farming industry.”
